When to Plant Sweet Corn in Michigan
In Michigan, the time to sow sweet corn outside runs from Apr 26 – May 10 in Port Huron to May 15 – May 29 in Burton. In Detroit, it's May 4 – May 18. The average last spring frost differs by about 3 weeks across the state (Apr 19 in Port Huron, May 8 in Burton), 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 Michigan by city
| City | Zone | Sow outside |
|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | 6a | May 12 – May 26 |
| Battle Creek | 6a | May 7 – May 21 |
| Bay City | 6a | May 4 – May 18 |
| Burton | 6a | May 15 – May 29 |
| Dearborn | 6b | May 8 – May 22 |
| Dearborn Heights | 6b | May 8 – May 22 |
| Detroit | 6b | May 4 – May 18 |
| East Lansing | 6a | May 5 – May 19 |
| Eastpointe | 6b | May 6 – May 20 |
| Farmington Hills | 6a | May 8 – May 22 |
| Flint | 6a | May 10 – May 24 |
| Grand Rapids | 6a | May 13 – May 27 |
| Holland | 6b | May 5 – May 19 |
| Jackson | 6a | May 8 – May 22 |
| Kalamazoo | 6a | May 5 – May 19 |
| Kentwood | 6a | May 7 – May 21 |
| Lansing | 6a | May 8 – May 22 |
| Lincoln Park | 6b | May 8 – May 22 |
| Livonia | 6b | May 8 – May 22 |
| Madison Heights | 6b | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Midland | 6a | May 6 – May 20 |
| Muskegon | 6b | May 7 – May 21 |
| Novi | 6a | May 8 – May 22 |
| Oak Park | 6b | May 4 – May 18 |
| Pontiac | 6a | May 3 – May 17 |
| Port Huron | 6b | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Portage | 6a | May 5 – May 19 |
| Rochester Hills | 6a | May 3 – May 17 |
| Roseville | 6b | May 6 – May 20 |
| Royal Oak | 6b | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Saginaw | 6a | May 6 – May 20 |
| Southfield | 6b | May 8 – May 22 |
| Southgate | 6b | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| St. Clair Shores | 6b | May 6 – May 20 |
| Sterling Heights | 6b | May 7 – May 21 |
| Taylor | 6b | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Troy | 6b | May 3 – May 17 |
| Warren | 6b | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Westland | 6b | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Wyoming | 6a | May 13 – May 27 |
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 Michigan, or the general guide to when to plant sweet corn.
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