When to Plant Corn in South Dakota: May 3–May 17

When to plant corn in South Dakota

Sow outdoors in Sioux Falls

May 3–May 17

Across South Dakota the window opens between May 3 and May 15. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Sow outdoors 1–3 weeks after the last frost. Plant in blocks of at least four rows rather than one long row. Corn is pollinated by wind.

Corn planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Sioux FallsMay 3–May 17

Rapid CityMay 10–May 24

AberdeenMay 15–May 29

BrookingsMay 13–May 27

WatertownMay 14–May 28

Questions

When should I plant corn in South Dakota?

In Sioux Falls, sow outdoors from May 3 to May 17. Across South Dakota the window opens between May 3 and May 15, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

Sow outdoors 1–3 weeks after the last frost. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 averages for the weather station nearest each city.