Blog

When to Plant Corn in Madison County, TX

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.

Madison County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 260 days.

At an elevation of 122 feet, Madison County receives approximately 57.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Corn during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Corn will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Corn root diseases.

Madison County, TX (Zone 9a) Long season
260 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
260 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20

Madison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.5

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 Madison County's 260-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Corn

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 Corn Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 9.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 9.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Corn Planting Timeline — Madison County, TX

Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 12 Mar 12 – Apr 2
Harvest May 14 May 14 – Jul 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

260 days in Madison County

Growing Tips for Madison County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Corn in Madison County, TX?

Madison County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Madison County, TX?

Madison County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 20.

🌱

Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Madison County (Zone 9a). 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 Madison County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.