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When to Plant Sweet Corn in White County, IN

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.

White County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 754 feet, White County receives approximately 40.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Sweet Corn to ensure they mature before fall.

White County, IN (Zone 5b) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

White County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (70 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 21 – Aug 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (71 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Aug 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (71 days to spare)
Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Aug 20

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 67 gal / 100 sq ft
Sweet Corn needs ~975 GDD — county provides 2,288 GDD Excellent fit

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline โ€” White County, IN

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow May 1 May 1 โ€“ May 22
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 โ€“ Aug 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

176 days

Growing Tips for White 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sweet Corn in White County, IN?

White County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is White County, IN?

White County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 17.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help White County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 White County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.