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When to plant Corn in Delta, MO

In Zone 7a (Delta), direct-sow Corn between April 17 and May 8 for spring, after the April 10 last-frost mark.

When to Plant Corn in Delta, MO

Corn

Corn is a warm-season grass grown for its sweet ears, which are best eaten soon after harvest. It is wind-pollinated and must be planted in blocks for good kernel fill.

Delta, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 880 feet, Cape Girardeau County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season.

Delta, MO (Zone 7a) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Delta Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Corn to Grow

1-2 ears
Average yield per plant
15
Plants per person
30 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 60 corn plants in about 120 sq ft. In Cape Girardeau County's 194-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Corn Planting Timeline — Delta, MO

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 17 Apr 17 – May 8
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 – Aug 14

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 Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

194 days in Cape Girardeau County

Growing Tips for Delta

Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows rather than single rows for proper pollination. Direct sow after soil reaches 60F. Side-dress with nitrogen when plants are knee-high.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Celery

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Corn in Delta, MO?

In Delta, MO, plant Corn after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Delta, MO for Corn?

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

Can Corn grow in Delta's climate?

Yes — Corn grows well in Delta's temperate climate. Delta averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Cape Girardeau County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cape Girardeau 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.

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 Cape Girardeau County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.