Maize (field corn) Zea mays
Maize (field corn) (Zea mays) is an annual grass in the Poaceae family, native to Domesticated from teosinte in southern Mexico. It grows 1.8–3 m (5.9–10 ft) tall and 40–70 cm (16–28 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
Plan Maize (field corn) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Maize (field corn) at a glance
| Type | Annual grass |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Mature height | 1.8–3 m (5.9–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–70 cm (16–28 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–11 weeks after planting, for 1–2 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 125 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: grain |
| Native to | Domesticated from teosinte in southern Mexico |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇨🇳 China, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇫🇷 France |
Is Maize (field corn) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous. Damp stored grain can grow aflatoxin moulds: dry it well.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Maize (field corn)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Maize (field corn)
- How far apart should I plant Maize (field corn)?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–70 cm (16–28 in).
- Does Maize (field corn) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Maize (field corn) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Maize (field corn)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Maize (field corn) flower?
- About 9–11 weeks after planting, for 1–2 weeks.
- Is Maize (field corn) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous. Damp stored grain can grow aflatoxin moulds: dry it well.
- What grows well with Maize (field corn)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Maize (field corn). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- FAOSTAT crops and livestock products, FAO
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Wind-pollinated: plant in blocks, not single rows. Field values; varieties differ widely in height, season and daylength response.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Fountain grass Pennisetum alopecuroides
- Sweet corn Zea mays var. saccharata
- Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus
- Clumping bamboo Fargesia murielae
- Maiden grass (miscanthus) Miscanthus sinensis
- Golden bamboo Phyllostachys aurea
- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
- Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium