Corn
Corn
Harvest Type: Single
Transplant/Direct Sow: Direct sow or transplant
When to Plant: 2-3 weeks after the last average frost date.
Days to Germinate: 14 days
Days to Maturity: 60-100 days based on the variety
Planting Depth: 1 ½ – 2 ¼” deep
Germination Temp: Over 50°F
Seed Spacing: 3-4” apart
Rows: 2 ½ - 3 ' apart
Light: Full sun
Soil pH: 5.8-6.2 pH
Water: 1” of water per week.
Soil Temperature: Optimal is 85°F .
Fertilizer: 10-10-10 N-P-K ratio with 2-3 pounds of fertilizer per
100 square feet.
Rotation: Annually
Harvest Type
Single harvest
TIP: Water corn a little more often when the tassels are present. The extra water helps with pollination, which produces full ears of corn at harvest time.
Transplant / Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds or transplant. There are some benefits of transplanting corn, such as weed reduction from shading.
When to Plant:
Sow corn seeds or transplant seedlings 2-3 weeks after the average last frost date. Aim for warmer soil temperatures between 50°F-85°F. Corn is heat-loving, and cold weather can damage the crop.
Days to germinate
It takes corn about 14 days to germinate. You may see earlier results if the weather is warmer.
Days to maturity
It takes about 60-100 days, depending on the corn variety you plant.
Planting Depth
Plant seeds 1.5-2.25" deep.
Germination Temperature Range
Corn needs heat to thrive. The germination range is 50°F at the root level. Plant corn when the ambient temperature is 75°F or above.
Spacing Between Plants
Space seeds or seedlings 3-4" apart and keep rows 2.5-3' apart.
TIP: Corn is wind-pollinated, so keeping the rows around 2 1/2 feet apart allows the wind to circulate and move the pollen around.
Growing conditions
Corn is a heat-loving crop so plant it in fertile soil with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 N-P-K ratio. Water the crop with 1" of water per week and add a little more water to the routine when pollination occurs. Rotate on a 3-4 year cycle to keep the crops producing viable yields.
Companion Plants
Cucumber, melons, and pole beans are excellent companion plants for corn. Plant mint and dill on the edge of corn to help ward against corn pests.
Rotation
Rotate corn crops on a 3-4 year cycle and amend the soil before planting with a balanced 10-10-10 N-P-K ratio fertilizer.
Anticipated yields
Plan your garden yield at row lengths of 10-15 per person, spacing the plants 3-8 inches apart. That's about 20 stalks of corn per person, and each corn plant may produce one or two ears of corn. An ear of corn is about one serving for fresh corn. Be sure to plant extra for seed saving. For canning and preserving, plan on a 20-30 foot row per person. Plant a second crop about two weeks apart for an extended harvest.