Corn
Also known as
maize, Indian corn, field corn, sweet corn, mealies
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
Get the appAbout Corn
Zea mays, commonly known as corn, is a tall, warm-season annual grass in the family Poaceae and one of the world’s most important cereal crops. Domesticated from teosinte (Zea mays ssp. parviglumis) in southern Mexico roughly 9,000 years ago, it exhibits C4 photosynthesis and rapid growth. Plants typically reach 1.5-3 m tall, with jointed culms, broad, linear leaves, and a fibrous root system reinforced by brace roots. It is monoecious: the terminal tassel bears pollen-producing florets, while female inflorescences (ears) develop on leaf axils and are enclosed by husks; wind carries pollen to silks for kernel set. Thousands of cultivars exist—field, sweet, popcorn, and specialty types—adapted to diverse climates and day lengths. Maize thrives in full sun, fertile, well-drained loams, and requires ample moisture and nitrogen to maximize yield. Beyond grain, it is grown for silage, fresh eating, and industrial uses, making it an agronomic cornerstone across temperate and tropical regions.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Corn
Water
Provide consistent, deep moisture, aiming for about 25-38 mm (1-1.5 in) of water per week, more on sandy soils. Critical stages are tasseling, silking, and early grain fill—drought then severely reduces kernel set. Irrigate in the morning at the soil level (drip or furrow) to reduce foliar disease and avoid washing pollen from tassels during midday. Water slowly to wet the top 15-20 cm of soil and allow partial drying between irrigations; avoid waterlogging, which restricts roots and leaches nutrients.
Light
Provide full sun with a minimum of 8 hours of direct light daily; more is better for yield. Shade reduces photosynthesis and ear development, so site corn away from trees or buildings. Orient rows north-south for even light distribution and to reduce self-shading. Maintain proper spacing to prevent excessive canopy overlap: typically 20-30 cm between plants with 60-90 cm between rows, or tighter spacing in high-input systems with adequate water and nutrients.
Nutrients
Maize is a heavy nitrogen feeder. Incorporate compost and a balanced starter (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting based on soil tests. Supply 90-180 kg N/ha total, splitting applications: 30-50% pre-plant or at planting, then side-dress the remainder at V6-V8 (knee-high) and again at pre-tassel on sandy soils. Provide phosphorus and potassium per soil test; banding starter P near the row improves early vigor in cool soils. Organic options include well-composted manure, blood meal, or fish emulsion.
Temperature
Maize is frost-sensitive. Plant after danger of frost when soil reaches at least 10-12°C (50-54°F); emergence is fastest at 15-18°C (59-64°F). Optimal growth occurs around 24-30°C (75-86°F). Temperatures below 13°C (55°F) slow growth, and prolonged heat above about 35°C (95°F) can impair pollination and kernel fill. Protect seedlings from cold snaps, and choose heat- or cool-adapted cultivars for your region. Night temperatures in the mid-teens °C favor good respiration and carbohydrate accumulation.
