Corn

Profile

Family

Poaceae

Habit

annual

Height

2.5 m

Spread

0.6 m

Growth

very fast

Lifespan

1 year

First yield

after 1 year

Hardiness

zone 6–10

Shade tolerance

full sun

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

semi-dry – very moist

pH

5.5 – 7

Synonyms

Mais

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Corn is a widely grown crop globally, with seeds that can be consumed raw or cooked before full ripening. Varieties like sweet corn have exceptionally sweet and delicious seeds. The mature seeds are dried for use whole or ground into flour. Cornstarch, derived from corn, is a common ingredient in confectionery and noodles. Popcorn is made by heating dried corn seeds in the oven. Sprouted corn is used in making uncooked bread and cereals. Edible oil is extracted from the seeds for cooking and salad dressings. Corn pollen is utilized in soups, while the protein-rich roasted seeds can be a coffee alternative. The stalk's pith is chewed or turned into syrup.

Medicinal: A mixture made from the leaves and roots is utilized for treating urinary issues and kidney stones. Corn silks have various medicinal properties such as promoting bile production, soothing, increasing urine production, preventing kidney stones, providing mild stimulation, and widening blood vessels. They are beneficial in reducing blood sugar levels and are commonly used in managing diabetes, bladder inflammation, sexually transmitted infections, arthritis, and similar conditions. The silks should be collected before the plant pollinates and are most effective when used fresh since their diuretic effect diminishes with storage, and they can also act as a laxative. A preparation from the corn cob is employed to stop nosebleeds and excessive menstrual bleeding. The seeds act as a diuretic and mild stimulant. They are effective as a soft poultice for treating sores, inflammation, and joint pains and are frequently applied in cancer, tumor, and wart treatments. The seeds contain allantoin, a substance that promotes cell growth and wound healing, commonly used in herbal medicine to speed up recovery. The plant is believed to possess anti-cancer properties and has demonstrated effects in lowering blood sugar and blood pressure.

Other uses: The seed's starch is utilized for making adhesive and cosmetics, as well as for glucose production. A semi-drying oil extracted from the seed finds application in industries like linoleum, paints, varnishes, and soaps. Corn spades are repurposed for crafting paper, straw hats, and small items like baskets. Fiber from the stalks and seed coats is employed in paper-making. These fibers are collected post-seed harvest in late summer, processed by cutting, soaking, boiling, and ball-milling to create cream-colored paper. Dried cobs serve as fuel, while the stalks' pith is used for packaging. Care must be taken not to overcook the fibers to prevent the formation of sticky pulp, which hinders paper formation.

Growing

Corn thrives in warm areas with well-drained soil and adequate moisture. It prefers soil pH levels ranging from 5.5 to 6.8 and nutrient-rich soil for optimal growth. Cultivated globally for its edible seeds, corn comes in various types suited for different purposes: - Sweet corn features tender, sweet kernels suitable for raw or cooked consumption. - Popcorn has hard kernels that burst when heated. - Waxy corn, common in the Far East, has a starchy texture. - Hard corn varieties shrink when dried and come in different kernel colors. - Dent corn, with white to yellow kernels, is widely grown for various products. Corn grows well alongside early potatoes, legumes, dill, cucurbits, and sunflowers but does not thrive near tomatoes.

Propagation

Sow seeds in separate pots in a greenhouse in April, let them grow rapidly, and transplant them after the final anticipated frosts. Outdoor sowing can be tried in May, particularly for less sweet varieties.

Notable

Special features: Maize has been grown in Mexico for approximately 10,000 years, with adaptations to various climates since 1970. It serves as a crucial staple food for many, known for its rapid growth as a C4 plant, thriving in arid regions. Maize comes in different varieties such as hard, dent, puff, sugar, starch, and waxy, and frequently forms symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Origin & habitat

South America or Mexico.

In a very unpredictable scenario.

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