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When to Plant Sweet Corn in Mitchell County, TX

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.

Mitchell County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 2,287 feet, Mitchell County receives approximately 60.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Sweet Corn may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Sweet Corn will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sweet Corn root diseases.

Mitchell County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Mitchell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.5-8.5

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 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 10.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 13.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 8.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline — Mitchell County, TX

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 25
Harvest June 6 Jun 6 – Jul 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

228 days in Mitchell County

Growing Tips for Mitchell 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 Mitchell County, TX?

Mitchell County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mitchell County, TX?

Mitchell County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 11.

🌱

Your Mitchell County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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