Q&A for How to Grow Corn from Seed

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Is the seed inside the corn kernel or is it the kernel itself? Basically, when I plant the 'seeds' do I plant the kernel, or extract a seed from the kernel and plant that?

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems and Gardening Expert
Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems and Gardening Expert

Expert Answer

The kernel is the seed. If you break the kernel open, the plant won't grow.

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Question

Can I grow corn in containers and if so, what are the best containers and potting mix?

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems and Gardening Expert
Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems and Gardening Expert

Expert Answer

You can grow four plants in a pot 1 foot deep and 1 foot wide. Use well composted soil, or potting mix formulated to help retain moisture.

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Question

What is the top tip of the corn for?

Sander1

Community Answer

You probably mean the male flower. It pollinates the female flowers that grow in the axils of the plant and will produce the corn cobs.

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Why is the bottom of my corn purple?

Community Answer

it might be affected by fungus. Apply a fungicide. In your next plantation, mix your corn seeds with an effective fungicide.

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Question

Do all types of corn kernels have a seed inside?

Community Answer

All corn have seeds; however, the colors vary depending on what kind of corn you plant.

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Are there any preparations before planting that might help corn to grow faster?

Sander1

Community Answer

Sdding a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (e.g. compost) will make it grow faster.

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Question

My corn blew down during a recent storm. Can it be saved?

Community Answer

Yes. Just leave it alone, it will stand back up fairly well. The sun helps them stand back up.

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Question

Can corn be started in seed flats indoors and then transplanted outdoors?

Community Answer

Corn doesn't like to have its roots disturbed, so if you are going to start in pots, use biodegradable pots. Plant the entire pot, so as not to disturb the roots.

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Question

Is it possible for corn to grow during a dry season?

Community Answer

Your best chance would be with a non-sweet variety, as they generally require less water to germinate and grow. The dry season you are referencing wouldn’t be as rough on the corn if it isn’t extremely hot and you get at least some rain once a week, even if it isn’t a lot.

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Question

Can one stalk produce corn?

Community Answer

If it somehow pollinates itself, then yes. But usually it needs to be next to others.

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Question

Can corn lack phosphorus?

Community Answer

Phosphorus is derived from manure or compost and promotes blooming and fruiting. Lack of it may cause the plant to have weak root anchorage and delay flowering and fruiting.

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Question

Can corn seed be soaked in water for two days before planting?

Community Answer

Yes. If you want to soak before you plant it, t that is fine. It's your own decision to make.

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Question

How can I tell when an ear of corn is ready to be harvested?

Community Answer

At the top of the corn, the yellow tassel turns brown. Don’t pick it early, it will not be fully formed and ripened until the tassel has browned off.

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Question

What happens if I do not harvest the corn at the right time from maturing? What do I do if it was delayed?

Community Answer

You can actually leave it on the stand there to dry and later use it for animal feeds or if it's in large quantity it can as well be sold to companies like cornflakes, cereal etc.

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Question

Can I grow different types of corn together?

Community Answer

Yes you can grow different types of corns together. The plants will produce their respective varieties of corns but seeds from the plants will grow into a hybrid variety. Seeds from some hybrid varieties can create sterile offsprings.

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