Corn Growing Guide
Corn is a great next step in your growing journey. Follow this guide from planting to harvest and you'll do great.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Moderate
Category
Grain
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Frost Tolerance
Frost Tender
Growing Zones
Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Plant Family
Poaceae
Growing Season
Warm Season
Plant Lifecycle
Annual
Also grows well as
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
10 Days After Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
60 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Corn?
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Your Corn Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Corn's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 5–10 days
Growing Tips
- 1Plant corn in a sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- 2Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter, and keep it consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- 3Space the plants about 12 inches apart in rows that are 30-36 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
- 4To manage pests, consider using row covers or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs to control aphid populations.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~70
Days to Maturity
250 cm
Mature Height
60 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
21 days
When to Pick
Pick ears when silks dry and kernels are full
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest corn when the kernels are plump and the silks are brown and dry, typically about 20 days after the silks first appear.
- 2Grasp the ear firmly, twist it downward, and pull it away from the stalk to avoid damaging the plant.
- 3Use a sharp knife or garden shears if needed to cleanly cut the ear from the stalk.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from your corn plant is a simple and rewarding process that any new grower can master! Once your corn cobs have fully matured and the husks turn brown and dry on the stalk, simply harvest the ears and peel back the husks to expose the kernels. Let the cobs dry further in a cool, well-ventilated area for a few weeks until the kernels are hard. Then, gently twist the kernels off the cob and store them in a paper envelope or glass jar, keeping them in a cool, dry place until next planting season. With just a little care, you’ll have your own homegrown seeds ready to plant—and the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself!
Seed Production
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