Corn (Zea mays)
Corn, also known as maize, is a warm-season annual grass that is cultivated for its edible kernels. It is one of the world's most important staple crops, serving as a key ingredient in a variety of foods, including fresh corn on the cob, cornmeal, popcorn, and corn syrup.
Corn comes in a range of colors, including yellow, white, red, blue, and even multicolored varieties. While primarily grown for its kernels, corn plants also produce tall, sturdy stalks and large, green leaves, making them a striking presence in the garden.
Beyond human consumption, corn is widely used as livestock feed and in industrial products, including biofuels and biodegradable plastics. It is a versatile and rewarding crop to grow, provided it has ample sunlight, space, and warm temperatures.
1: Physical Features
Physical Features:
1.5 - 3 meters (5 - 10 feet), depending on the variety.
Height:
30 - 60 cm (12 - 24 inches) between plants.
Spread:
30 - 60 cm (12 - 24 inches) between plants.
Varieties:
Sweet corn (Golden Bantam, Silver Queen, Honey Select), Field corn (dent and flint corn), Popcorn (Strawberry, Glass Gem), Ornamental corn.
2: General Info
Nutrition:
Good source of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins B1 and B5, folate, and antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin.
Usage:
Consumed fresh, canned, or frozen. Used in cornbread, tortillas, polenta, and popcorn. Also processed into corn syrup, ethanol, and animal feed.
3: Sowing / Starting
Sowing:
Direct sow seeds after the last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 16°C (60°F). Plant in blocks rather than single rows for better pollination.
Starting Indoors:
Not recommended, It is said that corn does not transplant well. If you choose to start inside it is best to keep the plants in a sunny window (or under a good grow light) until they are a few inches tall. Then they should be moved to a greenhouse or cold frame. Transplant in the ground when the risk of frost has passed.
Outdoor Site & Soil Preparation:
Prefers full sun and well-draining, fertile soil with ample organic matter.
Recommended PH Range:
5.8 - 7.0
Recommended Spacing in Beds:
20 - 30 cm (8 - 12 inches) apart in rows 60 - 90 cm (24 - 36 inches) apart.
Good Companions:
Beans, squash, melons, cucumbers (Three Sisters method works well).
Bad Companions:
Tomatoes, celery.
Growing in Containers:
Not ideal, but dwarf varieties can be grown in large containers.
4: Cultivation
Fertilization:
Heavy feeder; apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer at planting and again when plants reach 30 cm (12 inches) tall.
Harvesting:
Sweet corn is ready when kernels are plump and release a milky liquid when punctured. Field corn is harvested when kernels are fully dry.
Preservation & Storage :
Fresh corn is best used immediately but can be refrigerated for up to a week. For long-term storage, kernels can be dried, frozen, or canned.
Watering:
Corn requires consistent moisture, especially during germination and when tassels and ears are forming. Water deeply 1-2 inches per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Mulching helps retain moisture and reduce weeds.
5: Pests & Diseases
Common Pests:
Corn earworms, aphids, cutworms, European corn borers.
Diseases:
Rust, smut, Stewart’s wilt, root rot.
Other Issues & Problems:
Poor pollination can result in missing kernels on ears. Ensure multiple plants are grown in blocks to improve pollination.
6: Harvesting, Usage & Storage
Harvesting:
Sweet corn is ready when kernels are plump and release a milky liquid when punctured. Field corn is harvested when kernels are fully dry.
Preservation and Storage:
Fresh corn is best used immediately but can be refrigerated for up to a week. For long-term storage, kernels can be dried, frozen, or canned.
Freezing:
Blanch whole ears or cut kernels off the cob before freezing.