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When to Plant Sweet Corn in Duval 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.

Duval County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 299 days.

At an elevation of 4,259 feet, Duval County receives approximately 55.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 102ยฐF, so Sweet Corn may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sweet Corn root diseases.

Duval County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
299 days
Last Spring Frost February 13
299 growing days
First Fall Frost December 9

Duval County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (209 days to spare)
Transplant: Jan 20 🍅 Harvest: Mar 24 – May 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (194 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 13 🍅 Harvest: Apr 17 – May 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (182 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 8 🍅 Harvest: May 10 – Jun 21

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 607 gal / 100 sq ft
Sweet Corn needs ~1,988 GDD — county provides 7,950 GDD Excellent fit

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline โ€” Duval County, TX

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 20 Feb 20 โ€“ Mar 13
Harvest April 24 Apr 24 โ€“ Jun 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Season

299 days

Growing Tips for Duval 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 Duval County, TX?

Duval County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Duval County, TX?

Duval County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Duval County gardeners in Zone 9a 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 Duval County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.