Corn, or as we lovingly call it, ‘bhutta’, is not just another crop for us. It’s the taste of monsoon evenings, the aroma of roasted corn filling the air, and the nostalgia of our childhood.
Native to Central America, corn has made its home in many parts of our diverse country. This quick-growing and productive crop has been a staple in our diets for thousands of years. It’s fascinating how a single seed transforms into a towering plant bearing tasty kernels, isn’t it?
In today’s blog, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about growing corn in India, from picking the right variety, understanding the perfect sowing times, to nailing the care routine.
Choose your corn variety
In India, there are plenty of choices when it comes to corn types suitable for home gardens! You’ll typically find modern hybrid varieties in your nearby seed store. But don’t limit yourself, explore and try out the flavorful heirloom corn varieties. They’re an absolute delight and worth the extra effort.
Here’s a quick peek into the varieties you can consider:
- Sweetcorn – The most loved member of the corn family, sweetcorn, as the name suggests, is a sweet delight! Fresh from the cob, it’s a treat. You can also use it in your salads and quick stir-fry dishes.
- Popcorn – Guess what, the popcorn that keeps you company during your movie nights starts from a corn plant! Growing this variety can be quite an exciting experiment, especially if you have curious little ones at home.
- Flour Corn – This is the variety that’s high in starch and is used to produce corn flour. It’s a versatile type that’s used in a multitude of Indian recipes.
Finding the Perfect Spot: Location & Soil Requirements
Choosing the right spot for your corn is just like picking a house – it’s all about the location! Corn plants are sun-lovers. They need space and plenty of sunlight, about 6 hours daily. So, make sure you allot a spacious, sunlit spot in your garden for your corn.
Corn isn’t too picky about the soil type. However, it prefers slightly sandy soil with good drainage. If your garden soil doesn’t quite match up, there’s no need to worry. Some well-decomposed compost or manure can work wonders.
Ready your soil by weeding it well, turning it over to loosen it, and adding in some aged animal manure or compost. Keep the area free from weeds until you’re ready to plant your corn. Believe me, your corn will be grateful for the clean start!
Getting Started: Planting Your Corn
When to Sow Corn Seeds in India
In the diverse landscape of India, the sowing time of corn largely depends on the region you’re in.
- In North India, the ideal time to sow corn seeds is from mid-March to the end of April. This is due to the relatively cooler climate, and the corn can use the warm summer months to mature.
- In South India, thanks to the tropical climate, corn can be grown almost throughout the year. However, the best sowing times are usually from June to July and from October to November. The monsoon and post-monsoon seasons provide the necessary water for the crop.
- In Central India, the sowing of corn can be started in June, with the onset of monsoon, and can continue until July.
How to Sow Corn
Before sowing your seeds, make sure your soil is rich in nutrients and organic matter. Some well-composted manure would be just perfect. You can plant your corn seeds straight into the ground from April through June. Or, if you’ve got seedlings, just harden them off and put them in the ground.
Corn seeds grow best when they are sown directly into the garden.
- Plant your seeds about an inch and a half deep, with about a foot’s distance between them.
- Keep the soil nice and moist, but not soggy or bone dry.
- Corn seed germination takes approximately 7 to 10 days.
Nurturing Your Corn Plants
- To get those juicy cobs, you’ve gotta keep your corn well-watered as they grow. Early mornings or late afternoons are best for watering.
- Corn is a bit of a foodie, it loves rich soil. So make sure you enrich it with loads of organic stuff like manure and compost for a good yield.
- Cover the roots with soil and heap it up a bit to protect your corn from strong winds and harsh weather.
- Corn doesn’t like competition, so make sure you weed regularly!
Keeping Your Corn Healthy: Pest & Disease Management
Every garden has its fair share of pests and diseases. The main problems associated with growing corn in India are :
- Corn Earworm. This little bugger, also known as the tomato fruitworm or cotton bollworm, can wreak havoc on your corn plants. You’ll know you’ve got them when you see small holes in your corn husks and frass (that’s bug poop) on the silk.The best way to tackle them is prevention. Plant your corn as early as possible and use insecticides if necessary. You can also use corn varieties that have tight husks, as these give the earworms less room to wriggle in.
- Aphids. Aphids are teeny-tiny insects that suck the sap right outta your plants. They’re usually green, but can also be black, yellow, or even pink! If your corn leaves are curling and have a sticky residue, you might have an aphid problem.
These guys also bring along sooty mold due to the honeydew they secrete.The solution? Try a strong blast of water to knock ’em off your plants. You can also encourage natural predators, like ladybugs, to hang out in your garden. - Snails. Snails may be slow, but they can decimate a garden fast. They’re nocturnal, so you might not spot them during the day. But if you see ragged holes in your corn leaves and silvery slime trails, you’ve got a snail situation.Hand-picking them (yuck, but effective) during their active times, like early morning or after rain, is one way to control them.
- Fungal Infections. If your corn leaves have yellow spots that turn into pustules or if your kernels are replaced with a white, powdery substance, you’ve got a fungal problem.Good airflow and crop rotation can prevent these infections. But if the infection’s already there, it’s best to remove the affected parts and apply a good fungicide.
The Reward: Harvesting Your Corn
Now comes the fun part. Harvesting! Typically, your corn will be ripe and ready for plucking about two months after planting. You’ll know it’s time when the silky tassels at the top of the cob start drying up and turning brown.
Have a quick peek inside the husk. You should see juicy kernels filled to the brim. Still not sure if it’s the right time? Try this simple test. Press your fingernail into a kernel. If the juice that oozes out is cloudy, you’re good to go. If it’s still clear, the corn needs a few more days on the stalk.
Post-Harvest: Storing and Using Your Corn
Freshly picked corn is best enjoyed straight off the stalk. But if you must store it, keep the husks on and pop it into the fridge. It’ll last a good 1-2 days. Grill it, boil it, or turn it into a delicious Bhutta. The sky’s the limit!
FAQS
1. Can I grow corn in a container?
Yes, you can, but it’s not ideal. Corn has deep roots and needs lots of space. But if a container is your only option, choose a large one and plant a dwarf variety.
2. Best companion plants for corn?
Corn is grown with beans and squash. The beans provide nitrogen to the soil that corn needs in plenty, while the squash serves as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and conserving water. Another companion for corn can be cucumbers. They enjoy the same conditions as corn and can be trellised to grow up corn stalks, saving space.
2. Direct sowing or transplants?
Direct sowing is the way to go for corn. Corn doesn’t appreciate being moved around – it can disturb their delicate roots. So, it’s best to sow corn seeds directly into your garden soil once the threat of frost is over and the soil has warmed up.
3. How to Prevent Poor Kernel Development?
Poor kernel development usually points to issues with pollination. Remember, each kernel on a cob of corn is pollinated individually. So, if your corn isn’t getting pollinated properly, you can end up with patchy cobs.
Plant your corn in blocks rather than rows to increase chances of pollination. Another tip is to give ’em a light shake when they’re in the flowering stage to spread that pollen around. Good watering and proper fertilization can also ensure healthy kernel development.
4. How do I prevent birds from eating my corn?
Netting, scarecrows, or shiny objects can help deter birds. Some gardeners also cover the ears with paper bags once the silks have turned brown.
5. How many ears of corn does each plant produce?
Most corn plants produce one or two ears per stalk. Some dwarf varieties may only produce one, while some specific varieties are bred to produce more.
Growing corn is a delightful process – quick, productive, and yes, very rewarding. And the best part is, growing corn is as much fun as it is easy – for both adults and kids.
Drop us a comment below with your top tips for growing the best corn.
