When to Plant Sweet Corn in Vilas County, WI
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.
Vilas County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 21 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 131 days.
At an elevation of 543 feet, Vilas County receives approximately 36.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sweet Corn to ensure they mature before fall.
Vilas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.3
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 — Vilas County, WI
Sweet Corn Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 25 |
| Harvest | August 6 | Aug 6 – Sep 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 4a
Growing Season
131 days
Growing Tips for Vilas 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 Vilas County, WI?
Vilas County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 21. Plan your Sweet Corn planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Vilas County, WI?
Vilas County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 21 and first fall frost is September 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Vilas County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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