When to Plant Sweet Corn in Nebraska
In Nebraska, the time to sow sweet corn outside runs from Apr 23 – May 7 in Omaha to May 22 – Jun 5 in Sidney. In Omaha, it's Apr 23 – May 7. The average last spring frost differs by about 4 weeks across the state (Apr 16 in Omaha, May 15 in Sidney), 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 Nebraska by city
| City | Zone | Sow outside |
|---|---|---|
| Alliance | 5a | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Beatrice | 6a | May 1 – May 15 |
| Bellevue | 6a | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Blair | 5b | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Chadron | 5a | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Columbus | 5b | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Crete | 6a | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Fremont | 5b | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Gering | 5b | May 15 – May 29 |
| Grand Island | 5b | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Gretna | 6a | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Hastings | 6a | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Holdrege | 6a | May 9 – May 23 |
| Kearney | 5b | May 7 – May 21 |
| La Vista | 6a | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Lexington | 5b | May 3 – May 17 |
| Lincoln | 6a | May 1 – May 15 |
| McCook | 6a | May 8 – May 22 |
| Nebraska City | 6a | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Norfolk | 5b | May 8 – May 22 |
| North Platte | 5b | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Omaha | 6a | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Papillion | 6a | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Plattsmouth | 6a | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Ralston | 6a | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Schuyler | 5b | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Scottsbluff | 5b | May 15 – May 29 |
| Seward | 5b | May 3 – May 17 |
| Sidney | 5b | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| South Sioux City | 5a | May 6 – May 20 |
| Wayne | 5a | May 6 – May 20 |
| York | 5b | Apr 29 – May 13 |
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 Nebraska, or the general guide to when to plant sweet corn.
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