When to Plant Corn?

When to plant corn: this is the right time

Planning on growing your own corn? Great idea! Corn (Zea mays) is a sun-loving plant that can give your garden that extra tropical touch in the summer. But it's important to know exactly when to plant the corn seeds. Planting time depends on the weather, soil temperature, and whether you're sowing in the ground or in a greenhouse.

The best time to plant corn in the open ground is when the soil temperature has reached a minimum of 10 to 12°C. This is usually from early May in Belgium. It's best to wait until after the Ice Saints (mid-May) to avoid the risk of night frost. Choose a dry, sunny day for sowing—your corn seeds don't like wet, soggy soil at all.

Want to get started a bit faster? You can start in a greenhouse or conservatory as early as April. Make sure the greenhouse isn't too cold and keep the temperature there at least above 15°C. By starting your seeds early in the greenhouse, you'll beat the cold spring and get faster results. Don't forget to harden off the young plants thoroughly before planting them out in the garden.

How to Plant Corn: Step by Step

Whether you're sowing in a greenhouse or outdoors in the ground, it's important to choose well-prepared soil. Corn prefers loose, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. It's best to aerate the soil and mix compost into your garden bed as early as April. This will give your seeds a gentle start.

Sow in rows, with about 40 cm between each plant and 70 cm between rows. Plant 2 to 3 seeds per hole, about 3 to 5 cm deep. Thin them later to one strong plant per hole. Corn is wind-pollinated, so multiple rows adjacent to each other improve fertilization and ultimately the number of cobs. Remember to water regularly during dry spells, especially when the plants begin to flower.

For those who like to experiment or have limited space, corn can also be easily sown in large pots, preferably in a sunny corner of your patio. Just make sure your pots are deep enough and use good potting soil with adequate drainage .

What types of corn are there?

There are different types of corn, each with its own uses. Sweetcorn, for example, is the kind you eat as a vegetable, often boiled or grilled. Popcorn, on the other hand, is used (you guessed it) for popcorn. There's also ornamental corn with colorful kernels that is primarily grown for decoration or flower arrangements.

If you are gardening in Belgium, it is best to choose early-maturing varieties so that you can be sure of a harvest in summer or early autumn before the first cold nights return.

What after planting?

Your corn plants will grow quickly if they get enough sun and water. In June and July, you'll literally see them shoot up. During this period, make sure to keep weeds at bay, as corn doesn't like to share its nutrients. A good mulch layer will help retain moisture and suppress unwanted plants.

When your plants start developing their ears around August, it's crucial that they still have sufficient nutrients. Feel free to fertilize with a natural fertilizer or compost tea. Harvesting shouldn't begin until early September, when the kernels are firm and full—press a kernel with your thumb: if a milky sap comes out, you're good!

Extra planting tip: mix with easy plants

Want to combine your (vegetable) garden with easy-to-care-for houseplants? Then we can definitely recommend some simple houseplants like the ZZ plant or a Yucca . You can keep these indoors or (during warmer months) outdoors. Note: they love light, but can also survive with a little less care—perfect for when you're digging your fingers into the soil to sow your corn.

Plants nearby for diversity

Want to make your vegetable garden more biodiverse? Consider planting beans and squash alongside your corn, a method known as the "three sisters." Corn provides support for the climbing beans, beans enrich the soil with nitrogen, and squash, with its large leaves, keeps weeds and moisture problems under control.

So, are you suddenly craving some pumpkin? Then be sure to read our blog about when to plant pumpkins and discover how to combine them perfectly with your corn plants.

In short

• When planting in open ground: from early May, at a soil temperature above 10-12°C
• When to sow in a greenhouse: from April under heated conditions
• Place each plant 40cm apart, and rows 70cm apart
• A sunny, dry day is ideal for planting

Looking for more inspiration on when to plant what? Then be sure to check out our blog about when to plant potatoes or discover everything about when to plant beans . This way, you can build your own vegetable garden, step by step, at the right time!

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