When to plant popcorn in Maryland
Maryland spans USDA zones 7a–8a, so the right time to plant popcorn shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 22 in California to April 24 in Westminster — below are local dates for 139 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | 8a | March 24 | November 21 | March 24 – April 7 |
| Columbia | 7b | April 5 | November 9 | April 5 – April 19 |
| Germantown | 7b | April 14 | October 29 | April 14 – April 28 |
| Frederick | 7b | April 2 | November 6 | April 2 – April 16 |
| Waldorf | 7b | April 17 | October 27 | April 17 – May 1 |
| Silver Spring | 7b | April 10 | November 1 | April 10 – April 24 |
| Ellicott City | 7b | April 2 | November 7 | April 2 – April 16 |
| Glen Burnie | 7b | April 10 | October 31 | April 10 – April 24 |
Popcorn in Maryland: FAQ
When can I plant popcorn in Maryland?
Across Maryland, the time to direct-sow popcorn spans roughly March 22 in California to April 24 in Westminster, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the popcorn planting date vary across Maryland?
Yes. Maryland publishes 139 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 Maryland?
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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