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Plant non-GMO, open-pollinated, heirloom vegetable seeds in your Victory Garden
All of our vegetable garden seeds are chosen for reliable germination
All of our herb seed packets contain detailed sowing and saving instructions
Bring butterflies, bees and other pollinators to your survival garden with flowers
All of our flower seed packets contain detailed sowing and saving instructions
Provide for your family and improve your garden by growing grains and cover crops.
Heirloom, Non-GMO grains and cover crops make great farmer seeds for small homesteads
Get started on your gardening journey with our free grow guide and planting planners.
Expand your knowledge of growing survival food
Microgreens sprout in just days, are super easy to grow and packed with nutrition
Corn seeds are a cornerstone of the home vegetable garden. Corn is a crop that just loves the warm weather. It thrives in full sunlight, requiring fertile, well-drained soil for optimal growth. Corn is predominantly grown as an annual plant and various types are used for cornmeal, popcorn, or corn on the cob. The corn plant can grow pretty tall and can even serve as a natural privacy screen in gardens.
Survival Garden Seeds offers corn seeds for sale including varieties such as Bantam Sweet Corn seeds, popcorn seeds, and field corn seeds (sometimes known as “dent corn”). Get the complete planting instructions with every seed package and start preparing for growing today!
Corn, also known as maize, has been cultivated for thousands of years. Its origins trace back to ancient Mesoamerica. It's not only a dietary staple for many cultures; it also plays a key role in a sustainable garden ecosystem. Growing corn in a diverse garden setting can support a variety of wildlife and work well as a companion plant, especially to squash and beans in a traditional “Three Sisters” planting. Corn is adaptable to a range of climates across the USA. It’s suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 11. Corn’s planting times vary depending on local weather conditions and variety.
Knowing when to plant corn seeds is the first step to a bountiful harvest at the end of the season. After the danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm, you can directly sow outdoors. Corn does not transplant well and does best when planted in its final growing spot. Because corn seeds are quite large, they should be sown deeper than other seeds, at about 1 inch deep. Your corn plants should be spaced approximately 9 to 12 inches apart if grown in rows, so plant wisely. Corn is wind-pollinated, so to achieve effective pollination, plant in blocks of at least four rows. Keep the soil moist, and water regularly, especially during silk and tassel development, to encourage good kernel formation.
The most important maintenance of corn plants is regular watering, especially during dry periods. This supports their rapid growth and proper kernel development. Corn is a heavy feeder, and nitrogen is essential for lush, full growth. This is why mulching, companion planting with legumes, organic nitrogen boosters, and regular crop rotation are so beneficial in small-scale garden scenarios. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and address any issues promptly.
The timing of harvesting depends on the type of corn grown. Sweet corn is eaten as a vegetable so it is harvested earliest when the kernels are at the “milk stage” - that is about 70-80% water. Harvest when the silks turn brown, but the husks are still green in mid to late summer. Dent corn or field corn has a lower moisture content – around 15-25% – and is harvested in late summer or fall. The kernels will be hard. Popcorn must have an even lower moisture content (15-20%) so that the kernels pop when heated. This is also in late summer to fall.
Corn has been around to see many different cultures come and go. It has been praised in the Americas and all parts of the world as nature’s gold. Now, gardeners can experience the satisfaction of growing this beauty. Enjoy sweet corn eaten fresh off the cob, dent corn as corn meal or masa, and popcorn popped for a movie night snack. It is also beautiful when used as part of a decorative autumn arrangement.
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