When to plant popcorn in Kentucky
Kentucky spans USDA zones 6b–7b, so the right time to plant popcorn shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 31 in Shively to May 1 in Shelbyville — below are local dates for 46 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County metro government | 7a | April 6 | November 1 | April 6 – April 20 |
| Lexington-Fayette urban county | 7a | April 13 | October 28 | April 13 – April 27 |
| Bowling Green | 7a | April 5 | October 31 | April 5 – April 19 |
| Owensboro | 7a | April 2 | November 1 | April 2 – April 16 |
| Covington | 6b | April 16 | October 25 | April 16 – April 30 |
| Georgetown | 6b | April 18 | October 23 | April 18 – May 2 |
| Richmond | 7a | April 15 | October 22 | April 15 – April 29 |
| Florence | 6b | April 18 | October 25 | April 18 – May 2 |
Popcorn in Kentucky: FAQ
When can I plant popcorn in Kentucky?
Across Kentucky, the time to direct-sow popcorn spans roughly March 31 in Shively to May 1 in Shelbyville, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the popcorn planting date vary across Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky publishes 46 cities with their own frost dates, so the right popcorn planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does popcorn take to grow in Kentucky?
Popcorn takes about 90–120 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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