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The best time to plant corn in south Mississippi is in late February through mid-April, once the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F.
Getting the timing right for when to plant corn in south Mississippi is one of the most important decisions you’ll make all season.
If you plant too early, cold soil can cause the seeds to rot before they even sprout.
If you plant too late, the heat and humidity of a south Mississippi summer can stress the plants and reduce your yield.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly when to plant corn in south Mississippi, how to check your soil temp, and what varieties work best for our unique Gulf Coast climate.
Let’s dig in.
When to Plant Corn in South Mississippi: The Short Answer
When to plant corn in south Mississippi comes down to two main windows: an early spring planting and a late summer planting for a fall crop.
For the main spring crop, you want to target the first two weeks of March as your sweet spot.
However, some gardeners in the southernmost counties, like Harrison or Jackson, can sneak in a late February planting if the soil is warm enough.
For a fall harvest, you’ll want to plant corn in south Mississippi again in late July to early August.
Let’s look at the factors that determine these dates so you can plant with confidence every year.
1. Soil Temperature Is the Real Boss
The calendar is helpful, but the soil thermometer is what really tells you when to plant corn in south Mississippi.
Corn seeds need soil temps of at least 50°F to germinate, but they won’t sprout reliably until the soil hits 60°F.
In south Mississippi, the soil usually warms up to that 60°F mark around the first week of March.
If you plant when the soil is still in the 50s, you risk uneven germination and rotting seeds.
So grab a soil thermometer, check it at 4 inches deep, and wait for three consecutive mornings where it reads 60°F or higher.
That’s your green light.
2. Watch the Last Frost Date
Another key to knowing when to plant corn in south Mississippi is your average last frost date.
For most of south Mississippi, that date falls between March 10 and March 20.
Corn is very sensitive to frost, and a late cold snap can kill young seedlings outright.
So even if the soil feels warm in late February, double-check the 10-day forecast before you sow.
If a frost is predicted, it’s better to wait a week rather than risk losing your whole planting.
3. The Fall Planting Window
If you missed the spring window, you still have another chance to plant corn in south Mississippi.
A fall crop can be planted between July 20 and August 10, depending on your exact location.
The goal is to get the corn to maturity before the first fall frost, which typically arrives in late November or early December in south Mississippi.
So count backward from your first frost date using your variety’s “days to maturity.”
For example, if your corn takes 75 days to mature and your first frost is December 1, you’d want to plant by mid-August at the latest.
Fall corn can actually taste sweeter because the cooler nights help the plants retain sugar.
Best Corn Varieties for South Mississippi
Once you’ve settled on when to plant corn in south Mississippi, you need to pick the right variety.
Not all corn is created equal, and some types handle our heat and humidity better than others.
Here are a few tried-and-true options that perform well in our region.
1. Silver Queen
Silver Queen is a classic white sweet corn that has been a southern favorite for decades.
It has a long maturity window of about 90 days, so you’ll want to plant it early in the spring.
It’s known for its tenderness and very high sugar content.
Just make sure you give it plenty of water during those hot June days.
2. Gold Queen
Gold Queen is the yellow sibling of Silver Queen and matures a little faster, around 85 days.
It’s a great choice if you’re a little late figuring out when to plant corn in south Mississippi.
You can still get a full harvest if you plant it by early April.
It also has good disease resistance, which is a huge plus in our humid climate.
3. Peaches and Cream
Peaches and Cream is a bicolor corn that is incredibly popular for home gardens.
It matures in about 80 days and produces sweet, tender kernels that are perfect for fresh eating.
Because it matures faster, you can plant it later in the spring and still get a good crop.
It also works well for that fall planting window we talked about.
4. Early Sunglow
If you want to get the absolute earliest start possible, Early Sunglow is your best bet.
It matures in just 60 days, making it one of the fastest sweet corns available.
This means you can plant it in late February and harvest by late April before the worst of the heat sets in.
It’s also a great option for succession planting so you can stagger your harvest.
Planting Tips for Success in South Mississippi
Knowing when to plant corn in south Mississippi is half the battle, but you also need to plant it correctly.
Corn is a heavy feeder and needs a lot of nutrients to produce full ears.
Follow these tips to maximize your yield.
1. Plant in Blocks, Not Rows
One of the biggest mistakes new corn gardeners make is planting in long single rows.
Corn is wind-pollinated, and it needs its neighbors close by to ensure good kernel development.
Instead, plant corn in a block or a square, with at least four rows side by side.
This ensures that the tassels can easily drop pollen onto the silks of neighboring stalks.
2. Space Seeds 9 to 12 Inches Apart
When you plant corn in south Mississippi, give each seed about 9 to 12 inches of space within the row.
Space your rows 30 to 36 inches apart to allow for air circulation.
Good airflow helps prevent fungal diseases, which are common in our humid summers.
Plant seeds about 1 to 1.5 inches deep.
3. Fertilize at Planting and Again When Stalks Are Knee-High
Corn is a nitrogen hog, so you’ll need to fertilize it generously.
At planting time, work a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 into the soil.
When the stalks are about knee-high, side-dress them with a high-nitrogen fertilizer like 34-0-0.
This second feeding is crucial because it supports the rapid growth phase right before ear formation.
4. Water Deeply and Consistently
Corn needs about 1 inch of water per week, but in south Mississippi’s heat, you may need more.
Water deeply once or twice a week rather than giving it a little splash every day.
Deep watering encourages roots to grow down into the soil, making the plants more drought-tolerant.
Mulch around the base of the stalks to hold in moisture and keep the soil cool.
Common Mistakes When Planting Corn in South Mississippi
Even when you nail the timing of when to plant corn in south Mississippi, a few common mistakes can still derail your harvest.
Let’s look at what to avoid.
1. Planting Too Close Together
It’s tempting to crowd your corn to get more ears, but this is a big mistake.
Overcrowded plants compete for water and nutrients, leading to stunted growth and small ears.
Always follow the recommended spacing, even if it feels like you’re wasting space.
2. Not Protecting Against Pests
South Mississippi has its fair share of corn pests, including corn earworms and armyworms.
Check your plants regularly and use an organic insecticide if you see damage.
You can also apply a few drops of mineral oil to the silks about a week after they appear to prevent earworms from entering.
3. Ignoring the Fall Crop
Many gardeners stop after their spring harvest, but they’re missing out on a great fall crop.
If you know when to plant corn in south Mississippi for the fall, you can enjoy fresh corn from October to November.
Fall corn often has fewer pest problems because the worst of the insect pressure has passed.
4. Forgetting to Test Your Soil
Corn prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
If your soil is too acidic or too alkaline, your corn won’t be able to absorb nutrients efficiently.
Take a soil test before you plant, and amend your soil with lime or sulfur as needed.
This simple step can dramatically improve your harvest.
So, When to Plant Corn in South Mississippi?
The best time to plant corn in south Mississippi is early March for the spring crop and late July to early August for the fall crop.
Your exact date depends on soil temperature and the frost forecast, so always check both before you sow.
When you plant corn in south Mississippi, aim for that 60°F soil mark, and choose fast-maturing varieties if you’re planting late.
With the right timing and a little care, you’ll be biting into sweet, juicy corn straight from your own garden before you know it.
Happy planting, and here’s to a bumper crop of delicious southern corn.