When to Plant Corn in Michigan
In a typical Michigan location, sow outdoors Apr 30 – May 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 19 in Port Huron and as late as May 19 in Cadillac.
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 |
|---|---|
| Detroit | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Grand Rapids | May 6 – May 20 |
| Warren | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Sterling Heights | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Ann Arbor | May 5 – May 19 |
| Lansing | May 1 – May 15 |
| Clinton Township | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Flint | May 6 – May 20 |
| Dearborn | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Livonia | May 1 – May 15 |
| Canton | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Troy | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Westland | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Farmington Hills | May 1 – May 15 |
| Kalamazoo | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Waterford | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Wyoming | May 6 – May 20 |
| Shelby | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Rochester Hills | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Southfield | May 1 – May 15 |
| West Bloomfield Township | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Taylor | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Pontiac | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Saint Clair Shores | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Royal Oak | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Novi | May 1 – May 15 |
| Dearborn Heights | May 1 – May 15 |
| Battle Creek | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Kentwood | May 6 – May 20 |
| Redford | May 1 – May 15 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 120 Michigan cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Michigan cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant corn in Michigan?
In a typical Michigan location, sow outdoors Apr 30 – May 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 19 in Port Huron and as late as May 19 in Cadillac.
When is the last frost in Michigan?
The average last spring frost in Michigan ranges from April 19 in Port Huron to May 19 in Cadillac, 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 Michigan
- 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