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When to Plant Sweet Corn in Tarrant 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.

Tarrant County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 239 days.

At an elevation of 3,487 feet, Tarrant County receives approximately 63.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Sweet Corn during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Sweet Corn, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Sweet Corn root diseases.

Tarrant County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
239 days
Last Spring Frost March 18
239 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Tarrant County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

7.3-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (142 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: May 8 – Jun 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (134 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 18 🍅 Harvest: May 20 – Jul 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (131 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 12 🍅 Harvest: Jun 14 – Jul 26

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Sweet Corn needs ~1,425 GDD — county provides 4,541 GDD Excellent fit

Sweet Corn Planting Timeline โ€” Tarrant County, TX

Sweet Corn Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 25 Mar 25 โ€“ Apr 15
Harvest May 27 May 27 โ€“ Jul 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
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 8a

Growing Season

239 days

Growing Tips for Tarrant 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 Tarrant County, TX?

Tarrant County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Tarrant County, TX?

Tarrant County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 12.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Tarrant County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Tarrant County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.