How long does it take for corn to sprout. Corn plant (Zea mays) is a tender annual member of the grass family with a height of 4 to 12 feet (1.2-3.6m). It belongs to a plant family of Poaceae.
The corn plant may consist of both varieties of plants including annual and perennial corn. It’s a tall plant with long and narrow leaves. The botanist usually classified it as a fruit, but the people use it in the vegetable category.
How long does it take for corn to sprout
They are grown after the last spring frost, usually 10-21 days. It’s the period when the temperature of the soil starts to get warm. The corns suit such conditions.
If the corn plants are grown in the soil temperature of 50 to 55 F (10-12.8 C), it will take 21 days to sprout. The warmer the temperature, the less the time required for sprouting.
Requirements
Plant the corn in full sunlight. It shows better growth in loose, well-worked, well-draining soil, having a pH of 5.8 to 6.8. The corn plant needs organic compost before planting.
To provide nutrients, Add aged and organic compost to the soil before planting, usually in the autumn. A compost of 20 to 30 pounds is acquired by the pile per 100 square ft, during the preparation of corn planting.
Effect of Soil Temperature on Sprouting
Soil temperature truly affects the sprouting time. A warmer soil will help the corn plant to sprout out. Corn plants may take up to 22 days to germinate at 55 F.
If grown in the ground with a temperature of 60 F, the corn will sprout within 10- to 12 days of planting.
Other factors influencing germination
- A low soil temperature
- Too wet or too dry soil
- Poor soil
- Low draining soil
- Wrong planting location
- Inadequate sun exposure
- Your soil may have become crusted
- Pests and diseases
Planting Corn Plants
There are many varieties of corn plants. The early plantings require the sowing 1 inch deep in the soil. When the temperature gets hot in mid-summer, sow the corn 2 inches deep in the ground.
Rate of Germination
The average rate of germination for sweet corn is about 75 percent. The plant will germinate after 7 to 10 days after planting.
Spacing
Ensure to plant every three seeds with a space of 7 to 15 inches.
Harvesting Period
Different varieties show different harvesting periods. An average corn plant may require 60-100 days to mature.
Sweet Corn Varieties
Early Season
Yellow corn
- Bodacious (75 days)
- Earlier (69 days)
- Early Sunglow (63 days)
- IlliniChief (75 days)
- Sugar Buns(72 days)
- Tuxedo (74 days)
White corn
- Platinum Lady (85 days)
- Sugar Snow (68 days)
Bi-colored corn
- Athos (67 days)
- Double Gem (75 days)
- Quickie (65 days)
- Skyline (73 days)
- Sugar and Gold’ (67 days)
Mid-Season
Yellow corn
- Golden Bantam (83 days)
- Golden Cross Bantam (90 days)
White corn
- Alpine (79 days)
- Argent (82 days)
- Divinity (75 days)
- Pristine (79 days)
Bi-colored corn
- Butter and Sugar (73 days)
- Clockwork (78 days)
- Honey and Cream (78 days)
Late Season
Yellow corn
- Kandy Korn (89 days)
White corn
- How Sweet It Is (87 days)
- Silver Queen (94 days)
- Stowell’s Evergreen (100 days)
Bi-colored corn
- Pilot’ (90 days)
Space-saving varieties
- Baby Corn (65 days)
- Golden Midget (65 days)
Pests
- Corn wireworms
- Earworms
- borers
- seed corn maggots
An animal that may affect corn plant
- Birds
- Squirrels
- raccoons
- mice
Conclusion
If the corn is grown in a soil temperature of 50 to 55 F (10-12.8 C), it will take 21 days to sprout. The warmer the temperature, the less the time required for sprouting.
Ensure proper conditions for the plant for better growth and high yield.
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