How Long for Ears of Corn to Mature?

Planting

• All horticulture begins with planting seeds. To grow corn, corn kernels need to be planted. These need to be placed about 2 inches below the surface with around 30 inches between each plant. This will allow the corn to set down deep enough roots to support the plant and enough space either side for it to grown. This needs to be during April so the plants can take advantage of the heat and sunlight of the summer months.

Adolescent Plants

• After a few weeks the corn kernels will start to sprout above the surface, and after about six weeks they will start to grow rapidly, producing new leaves every two or three days. Extra water will be required at this time to allow for this increased growth.

Pollination

• To produce ears of corn the plants need to be pollinated to produce the silk that encases the corn cobs. This occurs nine or 10 weeks after the kernels were planted. Silking is long pale fibers growing up and around the ears of corn. Be on the lookout for the ears to start silking as this means the corn is around 60 days away from being mature.

Maturity

• Between 120 and 150 days after planting the corn ears have matured enough to be harvested. Over the 60 days following silking the kernels will turn from white to yellow as they lose moisture. Look out for denting in all the kernels and a clear dark line between the rows of kernels on the cob.