Grow Corn from Seed

Corn is a rewarding crop for any garden with enough space to accommodate it. Growing corn from seed is relatively straightforward, and with the right planting method, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful ears straight from your garden or farm.

For the best pollination and ear development, plant corn seeds in blocks rather than long, single rows. Corn is primarily pollinated by wind, so planting multiple plants close together allows pollen from the tassels to reach the silks more effectively. Good pollination is essential for producing full, well-developed ears of corn.

Types of Corn Seeds

Corn comes in several different types, each with a different purpose:

• Sweet Corn – Grown for fresh eating, sweet corn produces tender, flavorful ears that are perfect for grilling, boiling, roasting, or eating fresh.
• Popcorn – Grown specifically for producing kernels that dry and pop into popcorn.
• Dent Corn – Traditionally grown as a grain crop and commonly used for milling and producing cornmeal and other food products.
• Flour Corn – Produces soft, starchy kernels that are ideal for grinding into corn flour and meal.
• Ornamental Corn – Grown primarily for its colorful kernels and decorative ears, making it a beautiful addition to fall displays and seasonal decorations.

When planting corn seeds, it is generally best to grow one variety at a time if you want to preserve the characteristics of a particular variety. Different types and varieties of corn can cross-pollinate when grown near one another.

When to Plant Corn in Zones 9 and 10

Corn is a warm-season crop that thrives in warm soil and plenty of sunlight. Southern California Zones 9 and 10 offer a long warm growing season, allowing gardeners and farmers to grow multiple successions of corn throughout the year.

Rather than planting your entire corn crop at once, try succession planting corn every few weeks during the appropriate growing season. This can help extend your harvest and provide a steady supply of fresh corn instead of having everything mature at the same time.

Choose the Right Corn for Your Garden

If you’re new to growing corn, start by choosing a variety that fits your available space and the way you plan to use your harvest. Think about whether you want fresh sweet corn, popcorn, grain for milling, or colorful ornamental corn.

Many of our corn seed varieties are selected from small breeders for their flavor, yield, productivity, and disease resistance. We also seek out compact and shorter-growing varieties that can be especially useful for small gardens, backyard gardens, and urban farms.

Once you successfully grow your first crop of corn, you may find yourself wanting to try them all!