Germination of Maize Seeds

Temperature

• Being a warm-season crop, maize germinates best in warm soil. Though the usual planting time is around the last frost, it is best to wait a little longer if the weather still hasn't warmed up, recommends Barbara Damrosch in "The Garden Primer" (2008). Seed germination occurs optimally at temperatures of 55 to 65 degrees F. If the seeds are untreated, they will not germinate in soil colder than 65 degrees F. It is possible to warm the soil by covering the planting site with black plastic and planting seeds in holes punched through the plastic.

Soil

• Maize seeds require deep, well-drained soil for good germination and plant growth. Plant early varieties in sandy soils as these warm faster in spring. The vegetable adapts well to different pH levels but preferred soil pH is anywhere between 6.0 to 6.5. Corn has a high fertilizer requirement and regular applications of nitrogen are recommended every year. Work in 1 inch of well-rotted manure or compost into the planting area prior to seeding and every following year.

Seeding Depth

• Plant corn seeds at a depth of about 1 inch during early, wet spring weather. If seeds are planted very deep in wet soil, they will germinate poorly and start to rot. In warmer later spring or early summer weather, plant them 1 ½-inches deep. Keep soil moist at all times. The supersweet corn varieties need twice as much moisture for effective germination as compared to other types. Avoid planting maize after the middle of summer, as the vegetable will not ripen well in cold fall weather.

Care Suggestions

• Water seeded area and newly germinating maize seedlings regularly and ensure the site is free of weeds. Weeds are prone to start competing aggressively with new seedlings for nutrients. This is especially important until the time new maize plants are at least 6 inches tall. Apply mulch, as this not only helps conserve moisture but also discourages weeds. Pile up the soil firmly around the lower few inches of the base of taller corn varieties to provide additional support to the plant.