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When to plant Sweet Corn in Rooks County, KS

Sweet Corn planted in Rooks County between April 30 and May 21 matures in 60–90 days — well before the October 16 first frost.

When to Plant Sweet Corn in Rooks County, KS

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.

Rooks County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 691 feet, Rooks County receives approximately 20.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Corn during the growing season.

Rooks County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Rooks County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Sweet Corn

Sweet Corn needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Sweet Corn Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 0.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Rooks County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline — Rooks County, KS

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 30 Apr 30 – May 21
Harvest July 2 Jul 2 – Aug 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

176 days in Rooks County

Growing Tips for Rooks 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 Rooks County, KS?

Rooks County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Rooks County, KS?

Rooks County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Sweet Corn in Rooks County, KS?

In Rooks County, KS, plant Sweet Corn after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Rooks County, KS for Sweet Corn?

Rooks County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Sweet Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Sweet Corn grow in Rooks County's climate?

Yes — Sweet Corn grows well in Rooks County's temperate climate. Rooks County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your Rooks County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Rooks County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

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