In principle it is sufficient to sow corn directly outdoors. However, since corn is very sensitive to frost and blooms quite late, it can make sense to bring it forward. Then the small plants can be planted outdoors and the cobs can be harvested earlier.
How can you successfully grow corn?
To prefer corn, sow the seeds in pots or cold frames with nutrient-reduced potting soil from the end of March/beginning of April. Place them in a bright, warm location and keep the soil moist. Plant the early plants outdoors from mid-May.
Pre-culture possible from the end of March
Pre-culture in pots is possible from the end of March / beginning of April. To do this, the seeds are placed in pots or seed trays, leaving a distance of around five centimeters between the individual grains. In contrast to outdoor potting soil, the seed soil should not be too nutrient-rich, otherwise the plants will grow too quickly. It is best to use sterile and nutrient-reduced potting soil (€6.00 on Amazon). The pots prepared in this way are placed in a bright and warm location - for example a windowsill - and watered regularly. At this point, corn only needs moderate amounts of water. Therefore, keep the seed pots moist, but not excessively wet. Instead of growing in a pot, corn can also be grown very well in a cold frame under foil.
Put plants outdoors from mid-May
When you place the corn kernels in the seed soil, the tips should point downwards. Press the seeds under the surface and then fill in about two centimeters of loose sand or compost soil. Depending on the weather, you can finally put the small plants outdoors from the beginning of May. A distance of around 45 x 45 centimeters should be maintained. If possible, plant corn plants not in rows, but in blocks. In this way, the tall plants offer less surface area for strong winds to attack. Press the root ball deep into the soil, because corn is a deep-rooter and therefore forms a taproot. Now you should water and fertilize the corn regularly - especially in dry periods.
The right care in brief
- choose a sunny and wind-protected location
- Plant plants in blocks
- fertilize regularly with fertilizers containing nitrogen (e.g. nettle manure)
- water regularly, especially in dry periods - but not too wet
- Corn is ready to harvest from August
Tips & Tricks
For better germination, allow the seeds to soak in lukewarm water for between eight and ten hours before planting. However, the spring water must under no circumstances be cold.
