Maize Growth Stages and How to Manage Them
~To grow healthy maize (corn) and get a good harvest, farmers must understand how the maize plant grows. Each growth stage needs special care. Let’s look at these stages in simple English:
- Emergence Stage
This is when the maize seed starts to grow. For the seed to sprout, the soil must be warm (at least 10°C and moist (a little wet).
The seed needs soft soil around it to grow well.
It takes about 12 to 17 days for the small maize plant to come out of the soil. If the soil is cold, it takes longer. - Weaning Stage (4 to 5 leaves)
Now, the plant starts to grow new roots. These roots help the plant take water and food from the soil.
~At this stage, the plant no longer uses food from the seed. It starts feeding itself.
~The plant needs enough nutrients, especially phosphorus.
This is also when the number of plants in the field is final. If some plants die now, they won’t grow back.
- Ear Initiation Stage (8 to 10 leaves)
~Now, the plant starts to form ears (the part that holds the grains).
The number of rows of grains is decided now.
~The plant grows fast and needs a lot of water and nutrients.
It is also sensitive to cold weather, low sunlight, and chemicals like herbicides.
~Any stress now can reduce future harvest.
- Tassel Visible Stage
~This is when the tassel (male flower) appears on top of the plant.
~At this time, the plant decides how many grains it will make.
About 90% of the grain parts (called ovules) are ready.
~The plant needs plenty of water and nitrogen now.
If it doesn’t get enough, it may not grow many grains.
- Female Flowering Stage (Silking)
This is when silks(bristles) come out of the ears, and pollen from the tassel falls on them.
☆This stage is very sensitive to water problems.
2025 | Maize Stages and How to Manage Them