Corn
Zea mays · Poaceae
- Sow outdoors1–3 weeks after the last frostApr 17 – May 7
- Space20–30 cm (8–12 in) apart
- Harvest100–140 days after plantingJul 26 – Oct 15
Description
Corn, or maize, is a tall annual grass that is widely cultivated for its large, edible kernels. It is an essential staple crop in many parts of the world and is used for food, animal feed, and industrial products.
Growing Conditions
1.5–3 m (5–10 ft) tall, 45–90 cm (1–3 ft) wide
- Smallest
- Largest
Full sun, 6+ hours
Moderate
Keep evenly moist, not soggy.
Ideal 18–30 °C (64–86 °F)
Survives down to 0 °C (32 °F).
pH 5.8–7 · acidic to neutral
Where it Grows
Planting
When to Plant
Plant corn seeds once the soil temperature reaches 60°F (16°C) and is about two weeks after the last frost date in your area.
How to Plant
- Select a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Prepare the soil by tilling and adding organic matter.
- Sow seeds 1-2 inches deep and 8-12 inches apart in rows 30-36 inches apart.
Growth Timeline
- Germination 7–14 days
- Growing 100–140 days
- Harvest 1–3 weeks
Planting Calendar
- Sow outdoors: 1–3 weeks after the last frost
- Germination: 7–14 days
- Sow outdoors: Apr 17 – May 7
- Harvest: Jul 26 – Oct 15
Care
Care Calendar
- Thin · Apr 24 – May 14
Thin seedlings to the spacing recommended for the variety. - Feed · May 1 – May 21
Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer once plants are established. - Feed · May 29 – Jun 18
Side-dress again as plants approach tasseling, following the fertilizer label. - Mulch · May 1 – May 28
Mulch around established plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Watering
- Water the plants deeply but less frequently, ensuring about 1-1.5 inches of water per week, especially during pollination.
Weeding
- Regularly remove weeds by hand or with a hoe, taking care not to disturb the corn roots.
Mulching
- Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen at planting and again when the plants are about 12 inches tall.
Thinning
- Thin the seedlings to 12 inches apart when they are 6 inches tall to allow for proper growth.
Pest Management
- Monitor for pests such as corn borers and aphids. Use integrated pest management (IPM) techniques or organic pesticides if necessary.
Harvesting
- Harvest corn when the silk turns brown and the ears feel firm, typically 18-24 days after silk emergence.
Growing in Containers
Not well suited to growing in pots.
Propagation
From seed
- Wait until frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (16°C).
- Sow seeds 1–2 inches deep in a block of several short rows to aid wind pollination.
- Space seeds 6–12 inches apart, or thin seedlings to that spacing.
- Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during germination and ear development.
Companion Plants
Good neighbors
- Pole beans: Corn stalks provide a climbing support for pole beans in the traditional Three Sisters planting.
- Squash: Squash vines cover the ground beneath corn, helping suppress weeds and reduce soil moisture loss.
Keep apart from
- Tomatoes: Corn earworm caterpillars also attack tomato fruit, so growing the crops together can make pest management harder.
Common Problems
- Holes in leaves
- Stems chewed or cut through
- Flowers or buds dropping
Birds are a class of animals, not a single pest species. In gardens, their effects depend on the species, season, and…
- Holes in leaves
- Insects visible on the plant
- Stems chewed or cut through
- Wilting
Caterpillars are the larval stage of butterflies and moths, not a single species. Many feed on garden plants, although…
- Stems chewed or cut through
- Seedlings collapse at soil level
- Wilting
- Holes in leaves
Cutworms are caterpillars of several noctuid moth species, not a single species. They are named for their habit of…
- Flowers or buds dropping
- Distorted new growth
Poor pollination occurs when too little viable pollen reaches a flower’s receptive stigma, or when pollen fails to…
- Orange or rust-colored spots
- Spots on leaves
- Yellowing leaves
- Leaves dropping
Rust is a group of plant diseases caused by fungi in the order Pucciniales, not a single species. Different rust fungi…
- Kernel Rots: Caused by fungal pathogens.
- Corn Earworm: Larvae can damage ears.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Signs often include discoloration.
Nutrition
Nutritional Benefits
- Rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- Provides dietary fiber which is essential for digestion.
Nutritional Composition (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 86 |
| Protein | 3.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g |
| Total Fat | 1.2 g |
| Vitamin C | 6.8 mg |
| Calcium | 2 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
Varieties
Its relatively short season suits gardeners growing grain corn in cooler regions.
- early
- multicolored
Its translucent, vividly colored kernels can be dried for popping.
- multicolored
- heirloom
It produces small, red ears that can be dried and popped.
- compact ears
- heirloom
Dry and grind its large ears for cornmeal.
- heirloom
- red kernels
Its dried kernels are commonly ground into blue cornmeal.
- blue kernels
- traditional variety
More about varieties
- Sweet Corn: Ideal for eating fresh or canned.
- Field Corn: Typically used for livestock feed and industrial products.
- Popcorn: A variety with hard kernels that pops when heated.
- Flint Corn: Known for its hard outer shell and used in various culinary applications.
Health Benefits
- Supports eye health due to lutein and zeaxanthin.
- Provides energy and aids digestion.
- Contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of chronic health issues.
Fun Facts
- Corn is a hybrid plant and does not exist in the wild.
- The tallest corn plant recorded reached 30 feet in height!
- It is the most widely produced grain in the Americas.
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