Best Corn to Grow in Louisiana
Louisiana spans USDA Zones 8–10, typically Zone 9. We've broken out 32 corn varieties by zone — pick your zone below or find the right varieties for your specific part of the state.
Varieties
32
for Louisiana
USDA
Zones 8–10
240–320 days season
Beginner
16
easy to grow
Heirloom
12
heritage varieties
Louisiana in USDA Zones 8–10
Louisiana spans Zones 8–10. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Corn in Louisiana
Zone 9's long growing season and mild winters make it a corn lover's paradise, but the intense summer heat can challenge even experienced gardeners. With an average last frost around February 15 and first frost not arriving until December 1, you have nearly 10 months to work with – enough time for multiple plantings and succession crops. The key is selecting varieties that can handle both the scorching summer temperatures and humidity that define this zone.
When choosing corn for Zone 9, prioritize heat tolerance and disease resistance over cold hardiness. Look for varieties with strong stalks that won't topple in summer thunderstorms, and consider your harvest timing carefully – you'll want to avoid peak summer heat for your main crop while taking advantage of the extended season for fall plantings. The varieties that thrive here include reliable standards like Silver Queen and Golden Bantam, heat-loving performers like Incredible and Ambrosia, and unique options like Glass Gem for those wanting something special in their garden.
Zone 9 Corn for Louisiana★ Most of LA
32 varieties · Last frost February 15 · 290-day season
Zone 8 Corn for Louisiana
32 varieties · Last frost March 15 · 240-day season
Zone 10 Corn for Louisiana
32 varieties · Last frost January 31 · 320-day season
Zone 9 Growing Tips for Louisiana
Start your first corn planting in late February or early March, about two weeks after your average last frost when soil temperatures reach 60°F consistently. In Zone 9, you can direct sow – transplanting corn is rarely necessary and often counterproductive since corn dislikes root disturbance. Plant in blocks rather than rows for better pollination, and consider making successive plantings every 2-3 weeks through April and May to extend your harvest window.
The real challenge in Zone 9 comes with summer heat management. Plant your main season varieties early enough that they're tasseling and silking before the worst heat arrives in July and August. During peak summer, provide afternoon shade if possible and maintain consistent moisture – corn needs about an inch of water weekly, but this increases dramatically during hot spells. For fall crops, plant 85-95 days before your first frost date (late August to early September), choosing faster-maturing varieties like Early Sunglow or Honey Select that can beat the calendar.
Watch for corn earworm, which thrives in Zone 9's warm conditions, and be prepared to deal with fungal issues brought on by high humidity. Good air circulation between plants and avoiding overhead watering during humid periods will help prevent many problems before they start.