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When to plant Sweet Corn in Rock County, MN

Rock County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Plant Sweet Corn between May 9 (after last frost on May 2) and May 30.

When to Plant Sweet Corn in Rock County, MN

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.

Rock County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.

At an elevation of 916 feet, Rock County receives approximately 32.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sweet Corn to ensure they mature before fall.

Rock County, MN (Zone 5a) Moderate season
153 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
153 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Rock County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.9

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 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline — Rock County, MN

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 9 May 9 – May 30
Harvest July 11 Jul 11 – Aug 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

153 days in Rock County

Growing Tips for Rock 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 Rock County, MN?

Rock County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Rock County, MN?

Rock County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 2.

When should I plant Sweet Corn in Rock County, MN?

In Rock County, MN, plant Sweet Corn after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Rock County, MN for Sweet Corn?

Rock County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Sweet Corn grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Sweet Corn grow in Rock County's climate?

Yes — Sweet Corn grows well in Rock County's temperate climate. Rock County averages a 153-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 2.

🌱

Your Rock County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Rock County (Zone 5a). 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 Rock County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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