Corn is a warm-season crop known for its tall stalks and delicious kernels. With varieties ranging from sweet to ornamental, it offers something for every gardener. Growing corn requires full sun, rich soil, and consistent moisture. While it can be challenging due to its need for proper pollination and pest management, the reward of fresh, homegrown corn is well worth the effort.
- Common Names: Indian corn, Maize
- Scientific Name: Zea mays
- Plant Type: Annual, Edible, Vegetable
- Plant Height: 5-8 feet
- Growing Difficulty: Medium
- Growing Time: 60-100 days
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Temperature: 60-80°F
- Hardiness Zone: 2-11 (Find your hardiness zone here)
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Soil pH: 6-7
- Watering Frequency: Water deeply once a week
- Plant Spacing: 8-12 inches apart in rows 30-36 inches apart
Different Methods to Grow Corn
Direct Sowing in Garden Soil
This method involves planting corn seeds directly into the garden soil after the last frost. Seeds are sown about 1½ to 2 inches deep and spaced 8-12 inches apart in rows 30-36 inches apart. Planting in blocks rather than single rows ensures better pollination.
- Pros: Avoids transplant shock and root disturbance.
- Cons: Requires waiting until the soil is warm enough, which may delay planting in cooler climates.
Growing in Pots
For gardeners with limited space, growing corn in pots is a viable option. Use a 5-gallon bucket with drainage holes for each plant. Plant in a block formation with at least three rows and three or more plants per row to ensure proper pollination.
- Pros: Suitable for those with limited garden space.
- Cons: Limited to smaller varieties and requires careful watering to avoid waterlogging.
Sowing Corn Indoors
Start seeds indoors about three to four weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds half an inch deep into pots or plug trays. Harden off the plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the garden.
- Pros: Allows for an earlier start, beneficial in areas with shorter growing seasons.
- Cons: Requires additional effort to transplant seedlings and risk of transplant shock if not properly hardened off.
Ideal Soil and Location Requirements
For optimal growth, corn requires loamy, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 6 and 7. Plant corn in full sun, ensuring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
When to Plant Corn
Plant corn in mid to late spring, ensuring the soil temperature is at least 60°F. Wait until two to three weeks after the last frost to avoid frost damage. This timing ensures optimal growth conditions and helps prevent any setbacks due to unexpected cold weather.
Growing Corn Outdoors
The best method to grow corn outdoors is to plant it directly in the garden soil. This method is the easiest because it avoids the risk of disturbing the sensitive roots during transplanting. Here’s a step-by-step guide for home gardeners:
- Choose the right time. Plant corn in mid to late spring when the soil temperature is at least 60°F (16°C). Wait until two to three weeks after the last frost to avoid frost damage.
- Select a sunny spot. Ensure the planting site gets full sun, with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Prepare the soil. Use loose, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 6 and 7.
- Plant in blocks. Sow seeds in blocks rather than single rows to ensure good pollination. Plant seeds about 1½ to 2 inches deep and 12 inches apart in rows 2½ to 3 feet apart.
- Moisten seeds. Wrap seeds in moist paper towels and store them in a plastic bag for 24 hours to speed up germination.
- Water well. Water the seeds thoroughly at planting time and maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season, about 2 inches of water per week.
- Fertilize. Use a general-purpose (10-10-10) fertilizer at planting time. Side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer when plants are 8 inches tall and again when tassels appear.
- Thin seedlings. Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to one plant every 12 inches to avoid overcrowding.
- Mulch. Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Monitor growth. Keep an eye on the plants for any signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action if needed.
Growing Corn Indoors
Growing corn indoors is not feasible for the entire lifecycle of the plant. Corn requires ample space, full sunlight, and proper pollination, which are challenging to achieve indoors. However, starting corn seeds indoors can give you a head start on the growing season. Here’s a step-by-step guide for home gardeners:
- Start seeds early. Sow eight to ten seeds half an inch deep into four-inch-wide pots or two seeds per module in a plug tray. Remove the weakest seedling when they emerge.
- Keep soil moist. Ensure the potting soil remains consistently moist as the seeds germinate and grow.
- Provide adequate light. Place the pots in a sunny location or under grow lights to ensure they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Harden off plants. About a week before transplanting, gradually expose the plants to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for longer periods each day.
- Transplant outdoors. Once the plants are at least six inches tall and the soil temperature is at least 60°F, transplant them into the garden, following the spacing guidelines for optimal growth.
Corn sometimes produces aerial roots a few inches above the soil, which are meant to stabilize the tall stalk. Mounding soil up over these roots or covering the area with mulch can help feed the plants and provide stability.
Caring for Corn
- Watering: Corn needs consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Aim to provide about 2 inches of water per week. If the weather is particularly hot or the soil is sandy, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil moist.
- Fertilizing: Corn is a heavy feeder and benefits from a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Apply a general-purpose fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting time. When the plants reach about 8 inches tall, side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, and repeat this when tassels appear.
- Pest Management: Corn can be affected by various pests such as corn earworms, cutworms, and raccoons. Handpick pests like earworms and cutworms, and use row covers to protect young plants. For larger pests like raccoons, consider using deterrents like human-scented items or coyote urine spray.
- Harvesting: Corn is ready to harvest about 15 to 23 days after silking. Look for ears that are full and have brown tassels. To test, pull back the husk and pierce a kernel; if it releases a milky liquid, it's ready. Harvest by pulling the ears downward and twisting them off the stalk.
- Weeding and Mulching: Keep the area around your corn plants free of weeds to avoid competition for nutrients. Hand weeding is best to avoid damaging the shallow roots. Applying mulch can help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
Common Challenges With Corn
Growing corn can be a rewarding experience, but it's not without its challenges. In my experience, corn is a relatively easy plant to grow if you have the right conditions. It thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. However, it is a heavy feeder, requiring ample nitrogen and consistent moisture. Planting in blocks rather than single rows ensures better pollination, which is crucial for a good yield. Despite these needs, once you get the hang of it, corn can be quite resilient and rewarding to grow.
However, there are common challenges that can make growing corn a bit tricky. Poor pollination can lead to incomplete kernel development, which is why planting in blocks is so important. Pests like corn earworms and cutworms can wreak havoc on your crop, and diseases such as smut and gray leaf spot can also pose problems. Additionally, corn roots are sensitive to disturbance, making thinning and weeding a delicate task. Despite these hurdles, with proper care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet, homegrown corn.
Safety of Corn for Pets
Corn is generally safe for cats, dogs, and other pets when consumed in moderation. However, if you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount or shows signs of distress, contact the ASPCA's 24-hour hotline for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my corn is ready to harvest?
Corn is ready to harvest about 15 to 23 days after silking. Look for ears that are full and have brown tassels. To test, pull back the husk and pierce a kernel; if it releases a milky liquid, it's ready.
What should I do if my corn lacks ears or shows yellowing at the base?
If your corn lacks ears or shows yellowing at the base, it may be due to poor pollination or nitrogen deficiency. Ensure you plant in blocks for better pollination and apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to address nutrient deficiencies.
How can I protect my corn from pests like raccoons and corn earworms?
To protect your corn from raccoons, scatter human-scented items or use coyote urine spray. For corn earworms, remove caterpillars by hand and apply vegetable oil to the silks. Growing early varieties can also help avoid peak pest seasons.
Is it necessary to support corn stalks, and if so, how?
Supporting corn stalks can be beneficial, especially in windy areas. Mound soil around the base of the stalks to stabilize them. Additionally, mulching can help retain moisture and provide extra support to the roots.
