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Corn Seeds

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.

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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!

Growing Corn Seeds in Your Vegetable Garden

  • Enjoy homegrown corn's unparalleled taste
  • Popcorn, field corn, and sweet corn varieties
  • Direct sow deeply for best results
  • Only non-GMO, heirloom seed varieties

INTRODUCING CORN SEEDS

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.

HOW TO PLANT CORN SEEDS

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.

MAINTAINING CORN PLANTS

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds are the types of seeds your grandparents grew. These varieties have been passed down from generation to generation. They’re old reliable open-pollinated varieties that aren’t typically grown commercially. Instead, they have a rich history that predates modern breeding techniques. You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

How do I know my seeds are fresh?

Every seed packet includes a "packed for" date, and we germination test each seed lot before packaging to ensure you receive viable, high-quality seeds that are ready to grow.

Are your seeds chemically treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our seeds. All of our garden seeds are untreated, open-pollinated, non-GMO, and heirloom varieties. They are kept in temperature-controlled cooler storage until they are packed and shipped to keep them pest and disease-free.

Will your seeds grow in my USDA Hardiness zone?

The seeds in our collections are specifically chosen from varieties that can be successfully grown from Zone 3 to Zone 10 USDA Hardiness Zones. However, individual varieties have specific needs to thrive in different environments. Each seed pack has optimal temperatures for germination and instructions on seed starting. Consult local frost dates to plan your garden and get the most out of your seeds.

What is the shelf life of these garden seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly. Check your seed packet for specific varieties. For best results, keep your seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store them in an airtight container in a consistent temperature environment—a refrigerator or cool basement works well. Proper storage helps maintain germination rates and extends seed life well beyond the packed date.

Where are Survival Garden Seeds sourced?

The majority of our seeds are sourced in the United States, with a few exceptions when the seed is difficult to source domestically. Whenever we do have to source outside of the US, we ensure our seeds are safe to grow, non-GMO, heirloom varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.

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