Yellow corn is a type of sweet corn and one of the most ancient cultivated crops grown worldwide. For optimal growth, corn requires sufficient space, good irrigation, and warm weather. In this article, we explain the best planting time and the ideal environmental conditions for growing yellow corn.
What Is the Best Time to Plant Yellow Corn?
Yellow corn requires specific climatic conditions to grow well, and it is generally considered a summer crop that thrives in warm temperatures.
Therefore, the best time to plant yellow corn varies depending on the climate. In general, it can be planted:
- In early spring, or
- 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost date.
Best Location and Conditions for Growing Yellow Corn
Here are the environmental factors needed for healthy growth:
Temperature
Yellow corn grows best in:
- 25–33°C during the day
- 17–23°C at night
Light
Corn requires at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil
- Fertile soil
- Good drainage
- Adding organic compost improves soil quality.
Soil pH
Corn prefers slightly acidic soil, ideally between 6.0 and 6.8.
Important Tips When Planting Yellow Corn
- Plant corn in small clusters rather than long rows to ensure better wind pollination.
- Wrap seeds in moist paper towels for 24 hours and place them in a plastic bag to speed up germination.
- Sow corn seeds 5 cm deep, with 10–15 cm spacing between each seed.
- Carefully remove weeds around corn plants to avoid root damage.
- Higher temperatures help corn mature faster; the entire crop generally needs 90–120 days until harvest.
- Use nitrogen-based fertilizers for best results.
- Keep soil consistently moist without overwatering to prevent root rot.
On average, water weekly to ensure 2.5 cm of soil moisture. - Remove any other plants or weeds from the area before planting the corn.
Harvesting Yellow Corn
Corn is generally harvested in October and November.
Harvesting should begin when the kernels are partially dry, ideally when the moisture content is between 23% and 25%, making it easier to remove the kernels.
It is essential to harvest at the right time to avoid pest damage and ensure the best quality.
