Basics
- Ease of Growing
- Easy
- Grown as
- Annual
- Days to Maturity
- 90-95 (Spring/Summer)
- Growing Habit
- -
- Hardiness
- Tender
Corn is a tropical grass and needs warm weather. It is not at all hardy.
- Crops
- Spring Transplant, Spring, Summer
- Growing Season
- Long
- Cultivar Type
- Early
- Growing Conditions
- Warm, Hot
Corn is a sub-tropical plant and uses C4 photosynthesis, which enables it to grow more efficiently in high heat and light levels. It needs warm weather and as much sunlight as it can get.
Corn can be grown in an intensive bed, but it must be in a large block for best pollination. There must be at least a group of 12 plants to insure good pollination.
It is a tall growing plant, so must be planted where it won't shade other plants.
- Outdoor Growing Temp
- 50°F - 95°F
- Min Outdoor Soil Temp
- 60°F
Corn needs a warm soil for good germination. It will take 3 weeks to germinate at 50 degrees, but only 4 days at 80 degrees.
- Start Indoors
- Yes
- Start Outdoors
- Yes
- Light
- Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot)
Corn uses an especially efficient form of photosynthesis that enables it to grow rapidly in the high intensity light and heat of the tropics. It should be placed in the sunniest spot in the garden.
- Water
- Moderate
The best way to irrigate is with a soaker hose or a drip system. Don't use sprinklers during the pollen shedding stage, as it may affect pollination.
- Feeder
- Heavy
Corn is a notoriously hungry plant, which isn't surprising when you consider how fast it can grow. For best growth it needs generous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as all of the other plant nutrients.
- Suitability
- High heat, Needs lots of space
- Small Gardens?
- No
- Containers?
- Yes, but will need a large one, like a half wine barrel
It is possible to grow corn in a large container of fertile soil, but it's probably not worthwhile. Be aware that you won't get much for the space it takes up, and you will have to hand pollinate such a small number of plants.
- Attracts beneficial insects?
- No
- Color
- Royal Blue
- Fruit Size
- 8.0 - 10.0"
- Plant Height
- 60.0 - 65.0"
- Plant Diameter
- 12.0 - 18.0"
- Hardiness Zone
- 3-11
- Disease Resistance
- Taste Profile
Rich and extra-sweet with plump, substantive kernels.
- Rotation Group
- Soil Builders and Cleaners: Legumes + Corn + Potatoes