🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Corn is primarily used for grain production, providing a staple food source for both humans and livestock. Stalks can be used as mulch or compost. Some cultivars, like sweet corn, are grown for fresh consumption. The plant can be used as a windbreak or support for climbing beans. The 'Three Sisters' planting method, pairing corn with beans and squash, is a prime example of permaculture synergy.
Permapeople description
Corn (Zea mays) is a plant native to Central America and Mexico. It is a tall plant with a sturdy stem and large leaves that grow in a spiral pattern around the stem. The plant produces large, brightly colored flowers that give way to ears of corn. The ears are typically yellow, but can also be white, red, or blue. Corn grows to be anywhere from 3-12 feet tall and can grow quickly, depending on the variety.
To differentiate corn from similar plants, gardeners and farmers can look for the spiral pattern of the leaves and the presence of ears. Corn is often grown in rows, which can also help to distinguish it from other plants.
Corn prefers well-draining, fertile soil and full sun. In order to cultivate it successfully, a grower will need to provide these conditions and also ensure that the plants receive adequate water. Corn is often grown from seed, which should be planted in the ground when the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Corn is edible, and the edible parts are the kernels that are found on the ears. The ears can be harvested when the kernels are plump and fully developed. They can be stored after harvest by drying them in the sun or by freezing them.
Corn has many uses. In addition to being a popular food crop, it can also be used as livestock feed and as a source of biofuel. It can also be used as a building material and for crafting. Corn has medicinal properties and has been used to treat a variety of ailments. It is also valued by wildlife, as it provides food and shelter for birds, small mammals, and insects.
Botanical description
Zea mays is a tall annual grass belonging to the Poaceae family. It possesses a stout, erect stalk reaching heights of 1-4 meters, with broad, lance-shaped leaves arranged alternately along the stem. Corn is monoecious, bearing separate male (tassel) and female (ear) inflorescences on the same plant. The tassel is a terminal panicle of staminate flowers, while the ear develops from axillary buds and is enclosed in husks, containing rows of kernels (seeds). Kernel color varies widely, including yellow, white, red, blue, and black, depending on the cultivar. The root system is fibrous and shallow.
Companion planting
Favorable companions: Beans (climbing beans benefit from corn stalks as support), squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, peas, potatoes, sunflowers. Unfavorable companions: Brassicas (may compete for nutrients).
Propagation methods
Corn is propagated exclusively by seed (sowing). Seeds should be sown directly into the ground after the last frost. Optimal germination temperatures range from 60-95°F (15-35°C).
History and traditions
Corn originated in Mexico approximately 9,000 years ago and was a staple crop for many indigenous peoples of the Americas. It holds significant cultural and spiritual importance in numerous Native American traditions, often featuring in ceremonies, stories, and artistic representations. Corn was introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus and subsequently spread worldwide. It has become a critical food source globally.
Usage calendar
Planting: Spring (after last frost). Flowering: Summer. Harvesting (grain): Late summer/Autumn. Harvesting (sweet corn): Summer.