When to Plant Sweet Corn in Kansas
In Kansas, the time to sow sweet corn outside runs from Apr 11 – Apr 25 in Kansas City to May 5 – May 19 in Garden City. In Wichita, it's Apr 18 – May 2. The average last spring frost differs by about 3 weeks across the state (Apr 4 in Kansas City, Apr 28 in Garden City), so use the dates for the town nearest you.
Sow corn in blocks rather than single rows so it pollinates well. Wait for soil around 60°F.
- Sow outside: 1–3 weeks after the last frost.
Sweet Corn planting dates in Kansas by city
| City | Zone | Sow outside |
|---|---|---|
| Andover | 7a | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Arkansas City | 7a | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Atchison | 6a | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Bel Aire | 7a | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Derby | 7a | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Dodge City | 6b | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| El Dorado | 6b | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Emporia | 6b | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Garden City | 6b | May 5 – May 19 |
| Gardner | 6b | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Great Bend | 6b | May 1 – May 15 |
| Hays | 6b | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Haysville | 7a | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Hutchinson | 6b | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Junction City | 6b | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Kansas City | 6b | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Lansing | 6b | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Lawrence | 6b | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Leavenworth | 6b | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Leawood | 6b | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Lenexa | 6b | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Liberal | 6b | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Manhattan | 6a | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| McPherson | 6b | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Merriam | 6b | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Mission | 6b | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Newton | 6b | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Olathe | 6b | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Ottawa | 6b | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Overland Park | 6b | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Park City | 7a | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Parsons | 7a | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Pittsburg | 7a | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Prairie Village | 6b | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Salina | 6b | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Shawnee | 6b | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Spring Hill | 6b | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Topeka | 6b | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Wichita | 7a | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Winfield | 7a | Apr 23 – May 7 |
Calculated from each town's average (50%) frost dates, from the nearest NOAA station (1991–2020). Typical dates for the 2027 planting season, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 averages. They are long-term odds, not a forecast: always check your local forecast before planting. Zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (USDA-ARS and Oregon State University). Not the official map; see planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
See all frost dates in Kansas, or the general guide to when to plant sweet corn.
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