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When to Plant Sweet Corn in Red River Parish, LA

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.

Red River Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.

At an elevation of 477 feet, Red River Parish receives approximately 56.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91Β°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Corn during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sweet Corn root diseases.

Red River Parish, LA (Zone 8a) Long season
253 days
Last Spring Frost March 8
253 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

Red River Parish Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7.2

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 β€” 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 5.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Red River Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline β€” Red River Parish, LA

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 15 Mar 15 – Apr 5
Harvest May 17 May 17 – Jun 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

60–90 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

253 days in Red River Parish

Growing Tips for Red River Parish

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 Red River Parish, LA?

Red River Parish is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Red River Parish, LA?

Red River Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 16.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Red River Parish gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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