How to Grow Corn in a Container

Sow the seeds during Spring or Summer season when temperatures are 62°F to 95°F (16°C to 35°C). Sow about half an inch deep in a seed tray, filled with a seed starting mix. Corn plants need full sun, a moist soil, and are planted in groups (6 inches apart) to ensure good pollination.

 

Corn is actually a grass, so it is very easy to grow. The famous variety that is grown is sweet corn and popcorn.

 

How fast does Corn grow

Here is a table that explains the rate of growth for Corn that you can expect:

 

Water

Corn needs to stay moist throughout the growing season, so always keep the soil slightly moist. Water your Corn plant when the top 1-2 inches of the soil starts to dry. Add mulch on top to retain the moisture. Corn is very drought tolerant but it needs water at least once a week. During peak summer, you may need to water every alternate day. 

Sunlight

Keep the corn plant in a location that gets full sun from the start. Make sure to give the soil abundant moisture.

Ideal Growing Temperature

Ideal growing temperature for Corn is between 62°F to 95°F (16°C to 35°C) but corn can tolerate brief exposures to extreme temperatures like 32 F (0C) to over 112 F (45C). The soil needs to be warm, if the temperature is below 50F (10C) the root is going to rot. 

Soil

Corn needs rich and well draining soil, with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. So opt for a soil that is rich in compost or manure and does not hold water. One recommended soil mix is Sand/perlite with 30 to 40% of organic compost.

 

If you live in a hot, dry, desert, arid or tropical climate, cover the soil with mulch (dead leaves, coco peat, or wood chips) to keep the soil temperature cool and avoid heating of exposed soil by the sun.

 

Fertilizer

Corn is a heavy feeder. Corn is a grass, and needs a high nitrogen fertilizer like blood meal, fish emulsion or chicken manure, especially at the start of its life.

How corn gets pollinated

The corn stalk grows up and produces tassels (male organ of the plant that contains the pollen) and below you have silks which catch the pollen from the tassels and transport the pollen. Most of the time they are wind pollinated. That is why corn seeds should be planted in groups for an even dispersal of pollen, producing cobs with fuller kernel productions.

 

When to Harvest corn

When the silks turn dark brown and it's been almost 3 weeks since the tassel formation, it's time to harvest. You can also pull back the husk a little, and take a peek into the kernels. Corn can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week