About Growing Corn

Time Frame

• Corn is typically planted in the ground after the threat for additional frost has already passed. In northern states, early spring months such as late March or early April are ideal times to plant corn seeds. After corn is planted in full sun, it should be watered thoroughly daily until germination occurs, which is usually around 14 days. Once the seeds have begun to spout, watering should take place every other day unless there has been excessive rain. Corn reaches its full growth peak after about 5 to 6 months. For sweet corn, the ears of corn can be harvested as soon as they have fully developed. For field corn, the corn must turn yellow and brown and dry out before it can be harvested and the grain can be sold to market.

Identification

• Corn is typically yellow or orange with flashes of white on the ends. It's usually sold in seeds when it is dry. Once the corn grows, it starts as small seedlings that look similar to weeds but have two large leaves going outward on either side. As the corn grows, it will grow straight upward and turn a deep green color, with yellowish white tassels of milky strands that stem from the ears. As the corn dries, it will appear darker in color and be crumbly; almost paper-like to the touch. When sweet corn is harvested after the husks have been removed, the corn will appear either light yellow or yellow with specks of white corn throughout. Field corn looks similar but appears to be darker in color behind the husks.

Types

• There are several variations of sweet corn; an early harvest and bi-colored sweet are the two most popular. Indian corn is a type of corn that is mainly used for ornamental purposes and can be black and white as well as orange in color. Blue corn is also used for decorative reasons but is most commonly used for tortilla chips that can be eaten with salsa and nachos. Field corn is used for fuel, as well as grain and feed for many animals.

Size

• All corn starts as a small seed about the size of half a penny. As the corn continues to germinate and grow, it can reach upwards of 6 to 12 feet. Many gardeners plant their corn at different intervals so that the corn can be harvested at different times, typically several weeks apart. This allows for a flow of fresh, sweet corn throughout the harvest season.

Geography

• Field corn is a common crop in the agricultural communities and farmlands across the Midwest and upper Midwest. States including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa and Illinois make corn one of their top agricultural commodities in the summer months. Corn is best grown in porous soil conditions in full sun. Corn is not difficult to grow and can thrive in harsh soil conditions such as clay and gravelly soils as well.