When to Plant Sweet Corn in District of Columbia
Direct Sow Outdoors
Saturday, March 6, 2027
State
District of Columbia
USDA Zones
7a, 7b, 8a
Avg Last Frost
Saturday, March 20, 2027
Cities Covered
2
District of Columbia Planting Schedule by Zone
District of Columbia spans 3 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|
| 7a | Saturday, April 10, 2027 | Saturday, March 27, 2027 |
| 7b | Monday, April 5, 2027 | Monday, March 22, 2027 |
| 8a | Saturday, March 20, 2027 | Saturday, March 6, 2027 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
About Sweet Corn
Companion Plants for Sweet Corn
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Growing Sweet Corn in District of Columbia: Complete Guide
Sweet Corn (Zea mays var. saccharata) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. Depending on your zone, the right time to direct sow in District of Columbia falls between March 6, 2027 (Zone 8a) and March 27, 2027 (Zone 7a), once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.
Because District of Columbia stretches across 3 USDA hardiness zones (7a, 7b, 8a), planting windows can shift by as much as two to four weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.
With 75 days to maturity, Sweet Corn fits comfortably within District of Columbia's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.
Sweet Corn requires full sun (8+ hours) and high (consistent moisture, especially at silking) moisture. Check your local forecast for humidity and heat advisories that may affect timing and pest pressure.
For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of District of Columbia.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sweet Corn in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, direct sow Sweet Corn outdoors around Saturday, March 6, 2027. District of Columbia spans zones 7a–8a, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.
What is the last frost date in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia spans 3 USDA zones (7a, 7b, 8a), so last frost dates vary by region. Washington (7a) sees frost until around Saturday, April 10, 2027, while Washington, Washington Navy Yard (8a) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Sweet Corn take to grow in District of Columbia?
Sweet Corn takes about 75 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In District of Columbia's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.
What USDA zones does District of Columbia cover for Sweet Corn?
District of Columbia includes zones 7a, 7b, 8a. Sweet Corn grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.
When to Plant Sweet Corn by City in District of Columbia
Dates are based on each city's USDA zone and average last frost.
| City | Zone | Last Frost | Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 8a | Saturday, March 20, 2027 | Saturday, March 6, 2027 |
| Washington Navy Yard | 8a | Saturday, March 20, 2027 | Saturday, March 6, 2027 |