Planting Rates for Indian Corn

Timing

• Corn is a warm-season crop, and should start only after nighttime temperatures rise over 60 degrees F. University of Purdue's Department of Horticulture recommends waiting until 10 days after the last frost to sow Indian corn seeds.

Location

• All corn plants require full sun to grow to maturity. Pick a wide-open spot for your Indian corn patch, and make sure that you're giving the corn at least 5 to 10 square feet for growing. These plants become quite large. Every site should also provide quick drainage through the soil.

Soil

• Corn needs deep, rich and crumbly soil to give the seeds room to germinate and grow. Plant corn in a combination of natural soil, quick-draining soil and organic compost.

Sowing Rates

• To ensure adequate germination, sow Indian corn seeds at a rate of 12 to 18 seeds per square foot, spacing seeds 3 inches apart. For multi-acre plots, plant at a rate of 10 to 12 lbs. of seed per acre.

Spacing

• Corn stalks become very large, and so require adequate spacing from the start. Thin to 8 to 10 inches apart, with 2 to 3 feet between rows.