Corn
Zea mays
Also known as: maize, sweet corn
Warm-season grain crop. Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows for wind pollination. Heavy nitrogen feeder.
Growing Requirements
Planting Schedule
Direct Sow (Spring)
1–9 weeks after last frost
Germination
5–10 days
Days to Harvest
60–95 days
Zone Suitability
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zones 3–11
Plant in blocks, not single rows, for proper pollination. Soil must be 60°F+ for germination.
Companion Plants
Good Companions (8)
Cucumber
Cucumis sativus
Provides structure for vining cucumbers and windbreak
Confidence: Medium
Green Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
Three sisters: beans fix nitrogen for corn
Confidence: High
Pole Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
Three sisters: corn provides support; beans fix nitrogen
Confidence: High
Zucchini
Cucurbita pepo
Provides windbreak and structure; compatible planting
Confidence: Medium
Yellow Squash
Cucurbita pepo var. recticollis
Provides windbreak and compatible planting structure
Confidence: Medium
Pumpkin
Cucurbita maxima
Three sisters: corn provides windbreak for pumpkin vines
Confidence: High
Watermelon
Citrullus lanatus
Provides windbreak for melon vines
Confidence: Medium
Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Both attract pollinators; compatible tall-plant planting
Confidence: Medium