Growing corn can be a rewarding for small backyard gardeners offering not just a bountiful harvest but also a connection to the earth. In this post, we’ll walk through the steps necessary for planting, nurturing, and harvesting corn, ensuring even beginners can enjoy the pleasures and rewards of successful corn cultivation. Hope you enjoy this post on corn how to grow, from soil prep to harvesting your corn.
Soil Preparation for Corn
Preparing the soil is the first critical step in successful corn growing. Corn thrives in rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.8. Begin by testing your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels, adjusting accordingly with lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it. Once the soil condition is optimized, work in plenty of organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to increase fertility and improve soil structure. This will ensure the roots of your corn plants can penetrate deeply and access the nutrients and water they need to grow strong and healthy. Remember, corn is a heavy feeder so don’t shy away from giving it the best soil foundation you can.
How To Plant Corn
Planting is the next major phase in your corn growing adventure. Wait until after the last spring frost when the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (15.6°C) before planting your corn seeds directly into the garden. Plant seeds 1 to 1.5 inches deep into the soil, spacing them about 9 to 12 inches apart. Ensure rows are spaced 30 to 36 inches apart to provide ample space for growth and air circulation. Corn is pollinated by wind, so planting in blocks or multiple rows rather than a single long row will aid in pollination. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the seeds. As the corn grows, be attentive to soil moisture and weed control to give your corn the best chance of thriving.
How Long Does It Take Corn To Sprout
Once corn seeds are planted and the soil has reached the optimal temperature of at least 60°F (15.6°C), the germination process begins. Under favorable conditions, with adequate moisture and temperature, you can expect corn seeds to sprout in 7 to 10 days. However, this can vary depending on factors such as soil type, weather, and watering practices. It’s important to keep the soil consistently moist during this germination period. Early sprouts will be vulnerable. So ensuring protection from pests and extreme weather conditions is also crucial during these initial stages of growth.
Sunlight Requirements for Corn
Corn requires a significant amount of sunlight to grow properly; in fact, full sun is ideal. Aim to provide your corn plants with a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The sun’s energy is crucial for photosynthesis, the process by which the plant converts light energy into the sugars it needs for growth and development. A sun-soaked location ensures the highest yield and the best quality ears of corn. If your garden has any areas that are shaded for a portion of the day. Reserve those spots for vegetables that thrive with less sunlight. And plant your corn in the most consistently sunny part of your garden.
Water and Fertilizer Requirements
Watering is critical for corn, especially during the seedling stage and as the stalks begin to grow. Corn requires approximately an inch of water per week, and possibly more during hot, dry spells. Use a drip irrigation system or water at the base of the plants to minimize moisture on the foliage and reduce the risk of disease. For fertilizer, apply a nitrogen-rich blend once the corn is about knee-high and again when the tassels begin to form. This will support robust growth and ensure ears develop fully. Always follow the instructions on your fertilizer package to avoid overfeeding, which can be just as detrimental as underfeeding.
How Long For Corn To Grow
From planting to harvesting, corn generally requires a growing season of 60 to 100 days. Depending on the variety and climate conditions. This timeline is for standard sweet corn varieties. Other types like super sweet or heirloom varieties may have different maturation times. After the initial germination, which takes about 7 to 10 days, the seedlings will grow rapidly given the proper care.
You can expect to see knee-high plants by the third week of June if you plant in early May. Tassels will appear after about 65 days, which is a good indicator that ears of corn will soon follow. The ears typically mature around 20 days after the tassels emerge. When the silks turn brown, and the kernels feel full and are milky inside when pierced. This is your cue for harvest time! Always check the seed packet for the specific variety’s expected timeframe to better plan your planting and harvest schedule.
Different Varieties of Corn
Exploring the different varieties of corn adds intrigue and variety to your garden and dining experience. The main categories of corn are sweet corn, dent corn, flint corn, and popcorn, each offering unique characteristics and uses:
- Sweet Corn: Known for its tender, sweet kernels, this is the type most commonly enjoyed fresh, grilled, or boiled. It’s generally divided into three types based on sugar content: normal sugary, sugary enhancer, and super sweet.
- Tri-Colored Corn: A delightful variant within the sweet corn category is the tri-colored corn. Also known as “rainbow corn” or “painted hill”. These varieties boast kernels in a vibrant array of colors – typically yellow, white, and red – on a single cob, making for a visually stunning presentation in addition to a sweet, robust flavor. Tri-colored corn is not only a joy to grow but also brings a splash of color to your plate. And can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to succotash.
- Flint Corn: Recognizable by its hard, glassy outer layer, flint corn has colorful kernels and is mostly used comparably to field corn. It’s also the type typically used in autumn decorations and can be ground into polenta or cornmeal.
- Popcorn: Popcorn’s ability to pop comes from the water inside its hard kernels. When heated, the water turns to steam, and pressure builds until the kernel explodes. This variety is cherished for snacking and comes in a range of sizes and colors.
Each type of corn has a recommended environment and care routine for optimal growth, from planting distances to water and light requirements. Knowing the unique traits of each variety helps gardeners choose the best types for their goals, whether for gracing the dinner table or contributing to seasonal decor.
Happy Gardening!
In the journey from soil to supper, growing corn can be a rewarding endeavor. Adhering to these simple yet crucial guidelines for planting, caring, and harvesting will aid any gardener in bringing forth healthy, abundant crops. From the satisfying crunch of sweet corn to the pop of homegrown popcorn, each variety of corn offers a unique taste and texture to savor. Embrace the process, experiment with different varieties, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post Page for more tips on all types of gardening. Including Seed Starting, Orchids, Water Gardening, Coldframe Gardening, Indoor Bulb Gardening, Hydroponics, Container Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, planting Bulbs, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Deer resistant plants and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!