🌽 Can I Plant Corn in Houston, TX?

2026 planting guide for Zone 9a · Last frost ~February 10 · Growing season ~304 days

✅ YES — Conditions look good

Temperature conditions are suitable for Corn.

Planting window: Aug 13 – Aug 27
Good to go — plant now while conditions are right.
Live result based on current forecast for Houston, TX · Updates every 6 hours
USDA Zone
9a
Last Spring Frost
~February 10
First Fall Frost
December 10
Growing Season
~304 days
Ideal Temp for Corn
65–95°F
Frost Risk
⚠️ Sensitive

Growing Corn in Houston

Houston's Zone 9a climate offers an extraordinarily long growing season — over 300 days. Summers are hot and humid, which suits tropical crops but can stress cool-season greens. Many Houston gardeners grow two full seasons: spring (Feb–June) and fall (Sept–Dec), skipping the most brutal summer heat for sensitive crops.

In Houston (last frost around February 10), aim to direct sow or transplant corn outside around February — approximately 2 weeks after your last expected frost.

Corn thrives between 65°F and 95°F. It is frost-sensitive, meaning a single freeze at 32°F will damage or kill it — always wait until frost danger has fully passed. Expect 60–100 days from transplant to first harvest. Needs warm soil. Plant in blocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I plant corn in Houston, TX?

In Houston (last frost around February 10), aim to direct sow or transplant corn outside around February — approximately 2 weeks after your last expected frost.

What is the USDA hardiness zone for Houston?

Houston, TX is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9a. The last expected spring frost is around February 10, and the first fall frost arrives around December 10. This zone classification helps you understand which perennials survive winter and when annual vegetables can safely go outdoors.

Is it safe to plant corn outside in Houston right now?

That depends on the current weather forecast. Corn needs temperatures above 55°F (ideally 65–95°F) to thrive. CanIPlant checks your real 7-day forecast and any active frost alerts to give you a live YES, NO, or WAIT answer — just enter your ZIP code.

Can I grow corn in Houston 2026?

Yes — Corn grows well in Houston, TX. With a Zone 9a climate and a growing season of ~304 days, Houston is well-suited for warm-season crops like corn. Just wait until after the last frost (around February 10) before moving plants outside.

Grow Corn in Other Cities

New York, NYLos Angeles, CAChicago, ILPhoenix, AZPhiladelphia, PASan Antonio, TXSan Diego, CADallas, TX

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