How to Propagate Corn

Few foods are more evocative of summer than fresh ears of corn on the cob. However, growing corn proves challenging in many areas, particularly when it comes to successfully propagating the plants. Since corn seed grows best when sown directly in the ground instead of starter pots, it is imperative to sow the seeds as soon as soil temperatures warm in spring to provide the longest possible growing season. Proper spacing and irrigation are also of key importance when propagating corn, since the plants feed and drink heavily and must be provided with enough space to gather adequate nutrients.

Rotary tiller
Compost
1-1-1 fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Select an outdoor planting site suited to propagating corn. Choose a sunny, well-draining site where you can provide 1 square foot of space for each plant.
- 2
  Cultivate the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches using a rotary tiller. Spread a 6-inch-thick layer of mildly acidic compost across the bed. Work the compost into the bed using the rotary tiller.
- 3
  Sow the corn seeds 1 to 2 inches deep. Sow early-yielding cultivars at least 8 inches apart, and standard-yielding cultivars 9 to 12 inches apart. Tamp the soil on top of the corn seeds to anchor them.
- 4
  Water the corn seeds deeply immediately after sowing them to settle the soil. Water the seeds until the soil feels moist at a depth of at least 4 inches. Maintain this level of moisture during the growing season, with one to two days of drying out between each watering.
- 5
  Watch for germination five to 10 days for early-yielding corn cultivars and seven to 14 days for standard-yielding cultivars.
- 6
  Side-dress the corn seedlings with 1-1-1 fertilizer to provide them with a burst of nutrients during their early development.

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