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When to Plant Sweet Corn in San Patricio 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.

San Patricio County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 12 and the first fall frost is December 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 300 days.

At an elevation of 2,449 feet, San Patricio County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 100ยฐF, 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.

San Patricio County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
300 days
Last Spring Frost February 12
300 growing days
First Fall Frost December 9

San Patricio County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (210 days to spare)
Transplant: Jan 20 🍅 Harvest: Mar 24 – May 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (195 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 12 🍅 Harvest: Apr 16 – May 28
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (182 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 10 🍅 Harvest: May 12 – Jun 23

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 634 gal / 100 sq ft
Sweet Corn needs ~1,875 GDD — county provides 7,525 GDD Excellent fit

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline โ€” San Patricio County, TX

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 19 Feb 19 โ€“ Mar 12
Harvest April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ Jun 4

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

300 days

Growing Tips for San Patricio 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 San Patricio County, TX?

San Patricio County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 12. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is San Patricio County, TX?

San Patricio County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 12 and first fall frost is December 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help San Patricio 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 San Patricio County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.