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When to plant Sweet Corn in Saline County, IL

Spring Sweet Corn in Saline County goes in April 15–May 6, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.

When to Plant Sweet Corn in Saline County, IL

Sweet corn is bred for high sugar content in its kernels, which convert to starch rapidly after harvest. Modern supersweet varieties hold their sweetness longer.

Saline County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.

At an elevation of 748 feet, Saline County receives approximately 41.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Corn during the growing season.

Saline County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Saline County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline — Saline County, IL

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 15 Apr 15 – May 6
Harvest June 17 Jun 17 – Jul 29

Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

199 days in Saline County

Growing Tips for Saline County

Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows for wind pollination. Direct sow after soil is warm. Isolate supersweet varieties from other corn types to prevent cross-pollination.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sweet Corn in Saline County, IL?

Saline County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Saline County, IL?

Saline County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 24.

When should I plant Sweet Corn in Saline County, IL?

In Saline County, IL, plant Sweet Corn after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Saline County, IL for Sweet Corn?

Saline County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Sweet Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Sweet Corn grow in Saline County's climate?

Yes — Sweet Corn grows well in Saline County's temperate climate. Saline County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 24.

🌱

Your Saline County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Saline County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Saline County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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