Corn
zea mays
Also known as: ["Maize","Indian corn","Sweet corn"]
Overview
A widely cultivated cereal grain plant, Zea mays is a staple food crop in many cultures, valued for its edible kernels.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","fast growing","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Zea |
| Botanical Name: | Zea mays |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed; typically light pruning during the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust for seasonal changes to prevent scorching in extreme heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; provide shade during peak summer hours; ensure proper ventilation if grown indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use reflective mulch to enhance light absorption; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 5–7 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods
Water thoroughly until runoff; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
rich, well-draining loamy soil
pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Test soil pH annually; amend with lime if too acidic; ensure soil is loose and crumbly for root growth.
Temperature
Warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); prefers stable conditions with no extreme fluctuations.
Use a soil thermometer to monitor soil warmth; avoid planting during extreme temperature shifts; protect young plants from sudden cold snaps.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer, none in winter
Apply fertilizer at half-strength to avoid burning roots; water before fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; avoid fertilizing dry soil.
Propagation
Methods
Seeds (direct sowing or indoor starting); rarely propagated vegetatively due to its annual nature.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds 1 inch deep.
- Space plants 9–12 inches apart.
- Thin seedlings if overcrowded.
Best Time: Spring, after the last frost when soil temperatures reach 60–65°F (15–18°C).
Environment
Warm, sunny conditions with consistent moisture; protect seedlings from pests and frost.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix with compost; direct sowing in garden beds is preferred.
Hormone
Not applicable for seed propagation.
Timeline
Germination in 7–10 days; maturity in 60–100 days depending on variety.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, watering can, seed markers.
Quick Tips
Sow seeds in groups of 2–3 for better germination rates; use row covers to protect young plants; ensure consistent moisture for germination.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off dead or yellowing leaves at the base; no major structural pruning needed.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing dead or damaged leaves if necessary.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Inspect plant for dead/damaged leaves; sanitize tools; prune carefully to avoid stem damage.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Not applicable.
Pot Size
Not applicable.
Method
Not applicable.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted; Zea mays is an annual crop grown directly in garden beds.
Checklist
Not applicable.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use green manure crops to enrich soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or failure to flower due to stress from extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, cause leaf discoloration, and may lead to frost damage or death.
Solution: Provide frost protection (e.g., row covers); avoid planting in cold soil; use black plastic mulch to warm the soil.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat causes wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced yield due to water stress and metabolic disruption.
Solution: Water deeply and frequently; use shade cloth during peak heat; mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply evenly; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks during growing season; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicZea mays is not considered toxic to cats. While not a typical part of a cat's diet, small amounts of corn are generally safe for feline consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicZea mays is not considered toxic to dogs. Small amounts of corn are often included in commercial dog foods as a source of carbohydrates and fiber.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicZea mays, commonly known as corn, is generally considered non-toxic to humans when consumed in its edible form. It is a staple food crop worldwide and is safe for human consumption when properly prepared.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is corn easy to grow?
A: Yes, corn is moderately easy to grow, requiring full sun and well-drained soil.
Q: Can corn be grown in containers?
A: While possible, corn is typically grown in ground due to its height and root spread.
Q: Does corn need pollination?
A: Yes, corn relies on wind pollination, so planting in blocks rather than rows improves yield.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 5–7 days during active |
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