When to plant Sweet Corn in Franklin County, KS
Franklin County's spring Sweet Corn window runs April 19 through May 10. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival.
When to Plant Sweet Corn in Franklin County, KS
June in the garden — Franklin County, Kansas
A quick June briefing for Franklin County, Kansas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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.
Franklin County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 834 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 24.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Corn during the growing season.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Sweet Corn Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Franklin County
How your county's soil matches Sweet Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.2) overlaps with Sweet Corn's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Franklin County is excellent for Sweet Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Sweet Corn will thrive.
How to Plant Sweet Corn
Succession Planting Sweet Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 to harvest before frost.
Sweet Corn Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Sweet Corn
Sweet Corn needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Sweet Corn Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 2.4" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.3" | 3.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 2.2" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 1.5" | 5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Franklin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sweet Corn Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Sweet Corn Planting Timeline — Franklin County, KS
Sweet Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 10 |
| Harvest | June 21 | Jun 21 – Aug 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Sweet Corn in Franklin County
Direct sow Sweet Corn outdoors after April 12 in Franklin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Sweet Corn in this region include corn earworm and corn borers. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Franklin County receives only 24" of rain annually. Sweet Corn needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Sweet Corn in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sweet Corn in Franklin County, KS?
Franklin County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, KS?
Franklin County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Sweet Corn in Franklin County, KS?
In Franklin County, KS, plant Sweet Corn after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Franklin County, KS for Sweet Corn?
Franklin County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Sweet Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sweet Corn grow in Franklin County's climate?
Yes — Sweet Corn grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 25.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.