When to Plant Sweet Corn in Lancaster County, VA
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.
Lancaster County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 216 days.
At an elevation of 851 feet, Lancaster County receives approximately 48.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Sweet Corn during the growing season.
Lancaster County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.9
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.
Plant Water Budget
Sweet Corn Planting Timeline — Lancaster County, VA
Sweet Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 2 |
| Harvest | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jul 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 7b
Growing Season
216 days
Growing Tips for Lancaster 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
Level Up Your Garden
Sweet Corn in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sweet Corn in Lancaster County, VA?
Lancaster County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lancaster County, VA?
Lancaster County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is November 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lancaster County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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