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When to Plant Sweet Corn in Mapleton, OR

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.

Mapleton, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.

At an elevation of 48 feet, Lane County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sweet Corn to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sweet Corn root diseases.

Mapleton, OR (Zone 8b) Moderate season
187 days
Last Spring Frost April 21
187 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25
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Mapleton Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.4

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 7.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 5.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 5.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 8.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline — Mapleton, OR

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 28 Apr 28 – May 19
Harvest June 30 Jun 30 – Aug 11

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
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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 8b

📆 Growing Season

187 days in Lane County

Growing Tips for Mapleton

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 →

🌱

Your Lane County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lane County (Zone 8b). 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 Lane County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.