How Long Does It Take For Corn To Grow

If you’re planning your first vegetable garden, you’re probably wondering how long does it take for corn to grow. The journey from seed to harvest is a rewarding one, but it requires some patience and planning. The simple answer is that it typically takes between 60 and 100 days, but that range depends on several key factors we’ll cover.

Corn is a warm-season crop that loves sunshine and heat. Getting the timing right is crucial for a successful harvest. This guide will walk you through the entire timeline and the steps to grow sweet, juicy corn in your own backyard.

As mentioned, the average maturity time for most corn varieties is 60 to 100 days. This count starts from the day you plant the seed in warm soil. You’ll see this “days to maturity” listed on every seed packet or plant tag. It’s your most important clue for planning.

Here’s a basic breakdown of the main stages:

Germination: Seeds sprout in 7 to 10 days.
Seedling Stage: Young plants establish themselves for the next few weeks.
Vegetative Growth (V stages): The plant focuses on growing tall and producing leaves. This is the longest phase.
Tasseling and Silking (Reproductive Stage): The tassel (male flower) emerges at the top, and silks (female flowers) appear on the ears.
Pollination: Wind carries pollen from tassels to silks. This must happen for kernels to develop.
Kernel Fill (R stages): Kernels mature and fill out with that sweet “milk.”
Harvest: Ears are ready to pick!

What Determines Your Corn’s Growth Speed?

Several factors directly influence how quickly your corn reaches your dinner table. Understanding these helps you choose the right variety and provide the best care.

1. Corn Variety (The Biggest Factor)

This is the most important choice you’ll make. Varieties are bred for different climates and purposes.

Early-Season Corn (60-80 days): Great for short summer climates. Examples include ‘Swift’ or ‘Early Sunglow.’ They produce smaller ears but mature fast.
Mid-Season Corn (80-90 days): The most common types for home gardens, like ‘Bodacious’ or ‘Kandy Korn.’ They offer a balance of yield and flavor.
Full-Season Corn (90-100+ days): These include many heirloom or super-sweet varieties. They need a long, warm growing season but often have exceptional taste.

2. Local Climate and Weather

Corn needs warm soil to germinate and warm air to grow. Planting too early in cold, wet soil will cause seeds to rot. A stretch of cool, cloudy weather will slow growth dramatically. Consistent warmth and sunshine are its best friends.

3. Soil Quality and Nutrition

Corn is a heavy feeder. It grows fast and needs lots of nutrients. Poor, sandy soil without added compost or fertilizer will result in stunted, slow-growing plants. Rich, well-drained soil gives corn the fuel it needs to develop on schedule.

4. Watering Consistency

Corn has shallow roots and needs about 1 inch of water per week, more during hot, dry spells or when the ears are filling out. Inconsistent watering stresses the plant and can delay maturity or cause poorly filled ears.

The Month-by-Month Corn Growing Timeline

Let’s break down what you can expect during a typical season for a mid-season (85-day) variety. Adjust dates based on your local last frost date.

Weeks 1-2: Planting and Germination

Plant seeds 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost, when soil is consistently above 60°F (16°C). Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart in blocks (not single rows) for good pollination. Keep soil moist. You should see sprouts in about a week.

Weeks 3-8: Rapid Vegetative Growth

The seedlings will grow rapidly, producing a new leaf every few days. This is when you need to thin plants to 10-12 inches apart. Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer when plants are about knee-high. Keep up with weeding and watering.

Weeks 9-10: Tasseling and Silking

The tassel emerges from the top of the stalk. A few days later, silks emerge from the tips of the developing ears. This is a critical time for water—stress here can ruin your crop. Pollination happens over about a week.

Weeks 11-12: Kernel Development

After successful pollination, the silks dry up and the ears begin to swell. Kernels progress through stages: first a clear liquid, then a milky stage, and finally a doughy stage. The plant is putting all its energy into the ears now.

Weeks 12-13: Harvest Time!

For sweet corn, harvest typically comes about 18-24 days after silks first appear. The kernels should be plump and release a milky, not clear, liquid when pierced. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!

Step-by-Step Guide to a Successful Harvest

Follow these steps to ensure your corn grows strong and reaches harvest on time.

Choose Your Variety Wisely: Match the “days to maturity” on the seed packet to the length of your growing season. If you have short summers, stick with early varieties.
Prepare the Soil: Choose a sunny spot. Work in several inches of compost or aged manure a few weeks before planting. Corn needs nitrogen, so consider a balanced organic fertilizer at planting time.
Plant Correctly: Wait for warm soil. Plant seeds in blocks of at least 4 rows for good wind pollination. Sow seeds 1 inch deep. Water well after planting.
Water and Feed Regularly: Provide 1 inch of water per week, using soaker hoses to keep leaves dry. Apply a side-dressing of fertilizer when plants are 12 inches tall and again when they tassel.
Monitor for Pests: Watch for corn earworms and raccoons. Use vegetable oil or a drop of mineral oil on silk tips to deter worms. Fencing is the best defense against raccoons.
Check for Ripeness: Look for brown, dry silks. Feel the tip of the ear—it should be blunt and full. Peel back a small part of the husk to check kernel plumpness and do the “milk test.”
Harvest and Enjoy: Twist the ear downward and pull. For the best flavor, cook and eat it the same day—sugars start converting to starch immediately after picking.

Common Problems That Can Delay Growth

Sometimes, growth slows down or stalls. Here’s what to look for:

Cold Soil at Planting: Seeds will not germinate; they may rot.
Crowded Plants: Failure to thin seedlings leads to competition for light, water, and nutrients.
Nutrient Deficiency: Yellowing lower leaves often indicates a lack of nitrogen.
Drought Stress: Wilting plants, especially during tasseling, will delay ear development.
Poor Pollination: Planting in a single row or during calm weather can lead to ears with missing kernels.

FAQ: Your Corn Growth Questions Answered

Can you grow corn in pots?

Yes, but choose a dwarf or short variety. Use a very large container (at least 12 inches deep and wide) and be meticulous about watering and fertilizing, as pots dry out faster. Yields will be smaller.

What’s the fastest-growing corn variety?

Some early-season varieties, like ‘Golden Bantam’ or ‘Quickie,’ can mature in as little as 60-65 days under ideal conditions. Always check the seed packet for the specific number.

Why is my corn not growing tall?

Stunted growth is usually due to poor soil nutrition (lack of nitrogen), compacted soil, or insufficient water. Also, some varieties are naturally shorter than others.

How can I make my corn grow faster?

Focus on the fundamentals: pre-warm soil with black plastic, use a fast-maturing variety, ensure perfect watering, and use a balanced fertilizer at planting followed by a nitrogen side-dressing. You cannot rush it beyond it’s genetic potential, though.

Can you succession plant corn?

Absolutely. To extend your harvest, plant a early variety and then, two weeks later, plant a mid-season variety. You can also make multiple plantings of the same variety 2 weeks apart, but be aware that pollen from different planting dates can cross.

How do I know exactly when to harvest?

The milk test is the most reliable. A ripe kernel will exude a creamy white liquid when punctured. If the liquid is clear, it’s too early. If nothing comes out or it’s doughy, it’s a bit past prime but still edible.

Growing corn is a summer tradition that pays off with incredible flavor. By selecting the right variety for your area and providing consistent care, you can reliably predict how long it will take for your corn to grow. The wait from seed to harvest is well worth the effort when you bite into that first sweet, homegrown ear. Just remember to plant enough—it’s always more popular than you think!