When to Plant Corn in California
In a typical California location, sow outdoors Jan 16 – Jan 30. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 29 in San Mateo and as late as May 27 in Big Bear City. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
Direct sow at last frost to 2 weeks after, once soil reaches 60F; does not transplant well. Succession sow every 2 weeks.
Corn Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| San Diego | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| San Jose | Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| San Francisco | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Fresno | Jan 14 – Jan 28 |
| Sacramento | Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Long Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Oakland | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Bakersfield | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Anaheim | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Riverside | Jan 9 – Jan 23 |
| Santa Ana | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Stockton | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Chula Vista | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Irvine | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Fremont | Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| San Bernardino | Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Fontana | Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Modesto | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Oxnard | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Moreno Valley | Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Huntington Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Glendale | Jan 2 – Jan 16 |
| Santa Clarita | Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Santa Rosa | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Oceanside | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Garden Grove | Frost-free: year-round planting |
| Rancho Cucamonga | Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Ontario | Jan 4 – Jan 18 |
| Elk Grove | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 530 California cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all California cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant corn in California?
In a typical California location, sow outdoors Jan 16 – Jan 30. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 29 in San Mateo and as late as May 27 in Big Bear City. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
When is the last frost in California?
The average last spring frost in California ranges from January 1 in Palm Springs to December 31 in Sunland, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do corn take to grow?
Corn typically take 60–100 days from planting to harvest. Direct sow at last frost to 2 weeks after, once soil reaches 60F; does not transplant well. Succession sow every 2 weeks.
Other Crops in California
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant corn in other states