Basics

Ease of Growing
Easy
Grown as
Annual
Days to Maturity
90 (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
-
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.

Sweet 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
Drought tolerant, 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
Yellow
Fruit Size
8.0 - 9.0"
Plant Height
84.0 - 96.0"
Plant Diameter
12.0 - 18.0"
Hardiness Zone
3-11
Disease Resistance
Tolerant to most leaf blights and Stewart's wilt
Taste Profile
Rotation Group
Soil Builders and Cleaners: Legumes + Corn + Potatoes