When to Plant Corn in Wharton County, TX
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.
Wharton County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 17 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 292 days.
At an elevation of 207 feet, Wharton County receives approximately 64.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Corn may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Corn root diseases.
Wharton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Wharton County
How your county's soil matches Corn's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.7) is more alkaline than Corn prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Wharton County is excellent for Corn — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Corn.
How to Plant Corn
Succession Planting Corn
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 28 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Corn Planting Timeline — Wharton County, TX
Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 17 |
| Harvest | April 28 | Apr 28 – Jun 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
292 days in Wharton County
Growing Tips for Corn in Wharton County
Direct sow Corn outdoors after February 17 in Wharton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 98°F in Wharton County, provide afternoon shade for Corn and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Corn in this region include corn earworm and corn borers. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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.
Recommended Corn Varieties for Wharton County
Heat-tolerant varieties that silk well in high temps
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Corn in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Corn in Wharton County, TX?
Wharton County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 17. Plan your Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wharton County, TX?
Wharton County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 17 and first fall frost is December 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Wharton County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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