Can you grow corn in the fall?

Question

This is my first time to have a fall garden. I thought corn was a fall vegetable but i have been told corn will not grow when it gets cool. i live in Louisiana and we don't have alot of freezing weather. Is this true & when can i plant my sweet corn? Also what is good for a small fall garden? Thanks for your time.

Answer 1

Corn needs to be planted in the spring.  Most corn has a long duration, and needs the summer heat to ripen.  It depends on where you live, but you can plant after the last frost--I'm in Zone 5, in central Indiana, and according to the tables, I can start planting above-ground crops after the first week in May (most seed packets tell what zone you're in and when to plant).  Some good plants for a fall garden include radishes, lettuce, cabbage, and spinach.  Check web sites like DIY network and BHG.com for other possibilities.  

Answer 2

You should be able to grow fall corn in Louisiana - your best source for planting dates on various veggies would be your state university extension service (they should have a handout with a chart on it).

In north Missouri (zone 5) I have planted sweet corn as late as the last of July, using the quick-maturing varieties -- to harvest as late as early October. In my experience, fall gardens produce sweet tender veggies because they don't have the hot sun burning down on them.

Answer 3

Too late for corn. It needs hot weather and long days of sunlight.

Corn is a fall vegetable but the corn you get in the fall has been growing all summer.

Your long Fall growing season is great for greens, carrots, and other cooler weather crops. Tomatoes and peppers will keep going till it gets below 45 degrees, but you would need mature plants to succeed now.  

Answer 4

the ground wud b toooooo cold. unless u do it in a special env.

Answer 5

You should be able to grow corn in the fall and you can probably start planting now but to be sure check out this book:

Month-by-Month Gardening in Louisiana: Revised Edition: What to Do Each Month to Have a Beautiful Garden All Year (Month-By-Month Gardening in Louisiana) by Dan Gill

I have the one for Florida and it is perfect! It talks about what veggies and herbs to plant when, what to do for your lawn, fruit trees, shrubs. Seriously, this is one of the best books on gardening I have ever purchased. Barnes and Noble had mine on the shelves in the store....put your shoes on...it's waiting for you now :)

Happy Gardening!

Answer 6

Corn will need temperatures in the 50s to germinate and around 70s to grow, along with warm, moist soil.  If your frost date isn't until 1 December you may have time now to plant.  Check for varieties; some corn will be harvestable in 60 days or so.

I would think that in your region this month would be great for corn planting, as you have less pests now that summer is waning.

Ask your county extension office and contact a Master Gardener.  They do great work for free!  I am one myself, but I represent Arizona.