Also known as Blave · Câlâmbuchiu · Ca᷆yt Cígɔ᷆rdà
Maize (Zea mays) is a versatile cereal grain grown worldwide for food, feed, and industrial uses. Its tall stalks produce ears of kernels in various colors.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun exposure is essential.
100% intensity
Maize plants require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for healthy growth and grain production.
Consistent moisture needed, especially during growth and tasseling.
75% intensity
Ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering as kernels harden.
Loam
50% intensity
Warm-season crop.
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 20-30°C. Protect from frost; sow seeds after the last danger of frost has passed.
Requires regular feeding, especially nitrogen.
75% intensity
Fertilize at planting and during growth stages. Supplement with nitrogen before tasseling.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Maize requires consistent moisture, especially during its active growth and tasseling stages. Water deeply at the base of the plant, aiming for soil that is moist but not waterlogged.
Reduce watering as the plants mature and the kernels begin to harden to prevent disease.
Pruning maize is generally not required. The plant's natural growth habit does not benefit from significant trimming.
Remove any lower leaves that are yellowing or diseased to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal infections, but avoid removing healthy foliage.
Maize is propagated by seed. Sow seeds directly into well-drained soil after the last frost, once soil temperatures have warmed to at least 10°C.
Plant seeds about 2-3 cm deep and space them according to the specific variety's recommendations for optimal growth and ear development.
Repotting is not applicable to maize as it is an annual crop typically grown directly in the ground or in large containers where it will mature. If grown in smaller containers initially, transplant seedlings into larger pots or the garden when they are about 10-15 cm tall.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Maize (Zea mays)
Where Maize (Zea mays) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
12 known issues from plant disease data
Fusarium ear rot on Corn (syn. Maize) causes scattered kernels with white to pink cottony mold, often with tan or brown discoloration.
Anthracnose leaf blight on Corn (syn. Maize) causes oval to spindle-shaped tan to brown spots with dark margins on lower leaves.
Stewart's wilt on Corn (syn. Maize) causes pale green to yellow streaks from feeding scars that turn brown, and whole plants may wilt.
Common rust on Corn (syn. Maize) causes scattered oval brick-red powdery pustules on leaves after small yellow flecks appear.
Common smut on Corn (syn. Maize) causes swollen white galls on ears, leaves, stalks, or tassels that burst into black powder.
Maize dwarf mosaic on Corn (syn. Maize) causes light green to yellow streaks and mosaic leaves, with stunting and poor ear set.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Zea |
| Species | Zea mays |
Similar in genus Zea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
