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Ornamental Corn Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1”-1 1/2”
Row Spacing:24”-30”
Seed Spacing:3”-4”
Days to Germination:4-14 days
Germination Temperature:60°-80°F
Zea mays. Direct-sow Corn when the soil is reliably warm, above 60°F, well after the last spring frost date. Prepare a well-draining area with rich soil in full sunlight. Amend the soil as necessary with organic fertilizer, compost and/or well-rotted manure. Corn is pollinated by the wind, so grow a minimum of 4 rows, even if they are short rows, to ensure good pollination. If the weather gets wet and cold, you might want to re-seed just to be safe since Corn has a long maturation cycle. After thinning to 10" to 12" between the plants, water regularly and mulch with hay or straw to deter weeds and retain ground moisture. Corn is particularly hungry for nitrogen: feed regularly as needed. Harvest after the husks have dried and the kernals are hardened by giving the ears a sharp downward tug. Peel back the husks and tie them with twine. Hang the ears in a dry, dark area for an additional 1 to 2 weeks. Excessive light during this drying period will fade the Corn’s vibrant colors.
Planting Depth:1”-1 1/2”
Row Spacing:24”-30”
Seed Spacing:3”-4”
Days to Germination:4-14 days
Germination Temperature:60°-80°F
Zea mays. Direct-sow Corn when the soil is reliably warm, above 60°F, well after the last spring frost date. Prepare a well-draining area with rich soil in full sunlight. Amend the soil as necessary with organic fertilizer, compost and/or well-rotted manure. Corn is pollinated by the wind, so grow a minimum of 4 rows, even if they are short rows, to ensure good pollination. If the weather gets wet and cold, you might want to re-seed just to be safe since Corn has a long maturation cycle. After thinning to 10" to 12" between the plants, water regularly and mulch with hay or straw to deter weeds and retain ground moisture. Corn is particularly hungry for nitrogen: feed regularly as needed. Harvest after the husks have dried and the kernals are hardened by giving the ears a sharp downward tug. Peel back the husks and tie them with twine. Hang the ears in a dry, dark area for an additional 1 to 2 weeks. Excessive light during this drying period will fade the Corn’s vibrant colors.
