When to Plant Corn in South Dakota
In a typical South Dakota location, sow outdoors May 6 – May 20. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 26 in Tea and as late as May 12 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.
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 |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | May 1 – May 15 |
| Rapid City | May 3 – May 17 |
| Aberdeen | May 8 – May 22 |
| Brookings | May 6 – May 20 |
| Watertown | May 7 – May 21 |
| Mitchell | May 2 – May 16 |
| Yankton | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Pierre | May 6 – May 20 |
| Huron | May 6 – May 20 |
| Spearfish | May 12 – May 26 |
| Vermillion | May 3 – May 17 |
| Brandon | May 1 – May 15 |
| Box Elder | May 12 – May 26 |
| Rapid Valley | May 3 – May 17 |
| Ellsworth Air Force Base | May 12 – May 26 |
| Madison | May 5 – May 19 |
| Sturgis | May 8 – May 22 |
| Belle Fourche | May 10 – May 24 |
| Harrisburg | May 2 – May 16 |
| Tea | Apr 26 – May 10 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 South Dakota cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all South Dakota cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant corn in South Dakota?
In a typical South Dakota location, sow outdoors May 6 – May 20. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 26 in Tea and as late as May 12 in Ellsworth Air Force Base.
When is the last frost in South Dakota?
The average last spring frost in South Dakota ranges from April 26 in Tea to May 12 in Ellsworth Air Force Base, 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 South Dakota
- 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