When to Plant Corn in Nebraska
In a typical Nebraska location, sow outdoors Apr 24 – May 8. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 15 in Elkhorn and as late as May 11 in Alliance.
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 |
|---|---|
| Omaha | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Lincoln | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Bellevue | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Grand Island | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Kearney | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Fremont | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Hastings | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Norfolk | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| North Platte | May 3 – May 17 |
| Columbus | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Papillion | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| La Vista | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Scottsbluff | May 8 – May 22 |
| South Sioux City | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Beatrice | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Chalco | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Lexington | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Alliance | May 11 – May 25 |
| Gering | May 8 – May 22 |
| Elkhorn | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Nebraska cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Nebraska cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant corn in Nebraska?
In a typical Nebraska location, sow outdoors Apr 24 – May 8. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 15 in Elkhorn and as late as May 11 in Alliance.
When is the last frost in Nebraska?
The average last spring frost in Nebraska ranges from April 15 in Elkhorn to May 11 in Alliance, 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 Nebraska
- 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