How to Sow Maize Seeds: Learn Maize Farming in 7 Simple Steps

Introduction

Maize, often called the “Queen of the Cereals,” is one of the world’s most important crops, serving as a food source, green forage, and a crucial industrial raw material. It plays a key role in various industrial applications, ranging from food products to biofuels and textiles.

Interested in starting maize farming? In this blog, we’ve outlined 7 simple steps to sow maize seeds and kickstart your maize farming journey.

A banner advertisement with the text "Discover A Wide Range Of Maize Seeds For All Your Farming Needs" at the top. The background features a close-up shot of many yellow corn cobs. On the left, a smartphone displays a mobile app interface with various icons, including what appears to be a corn cob icon. A hand on the right holds a tablet-like device displaying the "DESIKHETI" logo. A "CLICK HERE" button with an arrow pointing right is superimposed on the corn cob image. Given the current location of Hyderabad, Telangana, India, maize (corn) is a significant crop, so this advertisement likely targets farmers in that region.

Step 1: Climate, Soil, and Season for Sowing Maize Seeds

A field of mature maize (corn) stalks with golden tassels stands under a dramatic sky filled with dark, heavy storm clouds. The lighting suggests either an approaching storm or the aftermath. To the right, text reads "Step 1 Climate, Soil and Season for Maize Farming" along with a small circular inset image showing yellow and white corn kernels. The "DESIKHETI" logo is in the top right corner, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom. Given the current location of Hyderabad, Telangana, India, where maize is a significant crop, this image likely illustrates the type of weather conditions and mature plants relevant to maize farming in that region.

Climate for Maize Cultivation

Maize is a tropical crop; however, it is grown under extremely diverse climatic conditions across the world, ranging from tropical to temperate regions. Generally, it does not grow satisfactorily in semi-arid areas.

Maize thrives in warm and humid weather. It performs best in regions with moderate temperatures, where the night temperature stays above 15°C and the optimal daytime temperature ranges between 21°C and 32°C. The crop is highly sensitive to extreme weather; frost can cause severe damage at any stage, while excessive heat and humidity during flowering can hinder pollination and grain formation. For optimal growth, maize requires around 600 mm of evenly distributed rainfall throughout the season.

Soil for Maize Cultivation

Maize can be grown in a variety of soils, from sandy loams to clay loams. However, for best yields, it requires well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Sandy loam soils are preferred in sub-humid regions, while in semi-arid areas, maize can be cultivated on deep, heavy-textured soils that retain moisture well. The ideal soil pH for maize ranges between 6.5 and 7.5. Salinity and waterlogged conditions are harmful, especially at the seedling stage.

Season for Maize Cultivation

Maize is cultivated during all three seasons in India. In the Kharif season, sowing begins with the onset of the monsoon in June to July. As a Rabi crop, it is generally sown under irrigated conditions during October to November. For summer cultivation, maize seeds are sown between February and March.

Step 2: Selecting the Right Maize Variety

Numerous yellow and white corn cobs are piled together, taking up the majority of the frame. To the right, text reads "Step 2 Selecting the Right Maize Variety" along with a small circular inset image showing yellow and white corn kernels. The "DESIKHETI" logo is in the top right corner, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom. Given the current location of Hyderabad, Telangana, India, where maize is a significant crop, this image likely relates to choosing the appropriate variety of maize for cultivation in that region. The corn cobs appear to be mature and ready for harvest.

Various factors such as the season of cultivation, length of the growing season, grain color, water availability, and climate need to be considered while selecting a maize variety. For your convenience, a few maize varieties are listed below.

Step 3: Procuring Quality Maize Seeds

A smartphone displays a mobile app interface against a blurred background of yellow and white corn kernels. The app, labeled "DESIKHETI," shows a menu with "MARIGOLD" and under "Field Crops," icons for "MAIZE," "MUSTARD," and "RICE." The app also features icons for Google Play and WhatsApp. To the right of the phone is the text "Step 3 Procuring Quality Maize Seeds" and a smaller circular inset image showing yellow and white corn kernels. The website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom. The "DESIKHETI" logo is in the top right corner. Given the current location of Hyderabad, Telangana, India, and the app featuring "MAIZE," this image likely pertains to sourcing quality maize seeds in that region.

For successful maize farming, selecting high-quality seeds is essential. Even with the best cultivation practices, poor-quality seeds can lead to low yields and weak plant health. Looking for the best maize seeds? DesiKheti offers a wide range of premium maize seeds tailored to your farming needs. Browse our collection, place your order online, and have it delivered to your doorstep.

Step 4: Land Preparation for Sowing Maize Seeds

A person who appears to be a young woman, possibly of South Asian descent given the style of clothing, is guiding a light-colored ox or cow in a field. The animal is harnessed and appears to be pulling something, possibly a plow or farm implement, though it is not fully visible. The woman is wearing a red patterned outfit and has her hair pulled back. The field has dark soil and some sparse vegetation. To the right, text reads "Step 4 Land Preparation for Sowing Maize Seeds" along with a small circular inset image showing yellow and white corn kernels. The "DESIKHETI" logo is in the top right corner, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom. Given the current location of Hyderabad, Telangana, India, and the agricultural context, this image likely depicts traditional land preparation for planting maize in that region.

Two to three shallow tillage operations help in weed control and moisture conservation. Deep ploughing further improves soil aeration and enhances water retention. After tilling, the soil can be leveled to prevent waterlogging. Apply 10 to 15 tons of Farmyard Manure during the final ploughing.

A banner advertisement with the text "Elevate Your Farming With High-Quality Maize Seeds" at the top. The background features a close-up shot of many yellow and white corn kernels. On the left, a smartphone displays a mobile app interface with various icons, including what appears to be a corn cob icon. A hand on the right holds a tablet-like device displaying the "DESIKHETI" logo. A "CLICK HERE" button with an arrow pointing right is superimposed on the corn kernel image. Given the current location of Hyderabad, Telangana, India, maize (corn) is a significant crop, so this advertisement likely targets farmers in that region interested in high-quality seeds.

Step 5: Sowing Maize Seeds

A close-up shot shows a hand with light skin sowing yellow and white maize (corn) seeds into light brown soil. Several seeds are visible in the hand and scattered on the surface of the soil. The background is blurred but appears to be more soil. To the right, text reads "Step 5 Sowing Maize Seeds" along with a small circular inset image showing yellow and white corn kernels. The "DESIKHETI" logo is in the top right corner, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom. Given the current location of Hyderabad, Telangana, India, this image likely depicts the manual process of planting maize seeds in that region.

Seed Rate: The average seed rate is 8 to 10 kg of maize seeds per acre of land. However, the exact seed rate may vary based on the sowing method, spacing, and other factors.

Seed Treatment: Seeds sold by private companies are often pre-treated with chemicals. However, if your maize seeds are not pre-treated, treat them with carbendazim at 2 g per kg of maize seeds.

There are different methods of sowing maize seeds, and specific techniques work best for different regions. The ridge and furrow or bed and furrow systems are ideal for semi-arid and sub-humid areas, ensuring better drainage and root development. In high-rainfall regions, poor drainage can lower yields, so techniques like Zingg terracing are practiced to prevent waterlogging and improve productivity.

Maize seeds can be broadcast in the field, or dibbling can be done. Dibbling is preferred as it results in uniform plant spacing. Generally, maize seeds are dibbled on the side of the ridges at a distance of ⅓ from the top of the ridge. The seeds are dibbled at a depth of 2–3 cm, and the depth should not exceed 5 cm.

In the Zingg terracing method, maize is grown in the upper ¾ of the plot, which is sloped to help with quick drainage. Rice is grown in the remaining ¼ of the area, which is leveled to accommodate runoff from the upper portion of the plot.

Step 6: Care After Sowing Maize Seeds

A close-up shows healthy, green maize (corn) plants with developing ears covered in husks. Some brown, swollen fungal growths, possibly huitlacoche (corn smut), are also visible on some parts of the plants. To the right, text reads "Step 6 Care After Sowing Maize Seeds" along with a small circular inset image showing yellow and white corn kernels. The "DESIKHETI" logo is in the top right corner, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom. Given the current location of Hyderabad, Telangana, India, where maize is a significant crop, this image likely illustrates the stage of caring for young maize plants after sowing, also showing a common fungal disease that can affect the crop.

Water Management

Maize is highly sensitive to both drought and waterlogging, making proper water management crucial for good yields. Up to 40 DAS (Days After Sowing), the crop is more sensitive to excess moisture, and from pre-flowering to maturity, it is more sensitive to drought. The crop requires around 600 mm of water.

Light, frequent irrigations that moisten the root zone are more effective than heavy irrigation at long intervals. Generally, irrigation can be given once every 6 to 10 days, depending on the weather, soil moisture, and other factors. The flowering stage (tasseling and silking) is the most critical period for moisture; any stress during this stage can drastically reduce yields. Therefore, proper irrigation must be ensured during this time.

Weed Management

Timely weed control is important. The first 6–7 weeks of maize growth are the most critical period for weed competition. Proper and timely intercultivation helps with aeration by loosening the surface soil and contributes to good yields. Two intercultivations and two hand weeding can be done. Ensure that intercultivation is not done too close to the plants or too deep, to avoid injury to the growing roots of the maize plant.

Step 7: Harvesting Maize

A close-up shows two light-skinned hands holding a freshly harvested ear of yellow corn with some of its husk peeled back, revealing the rows of kernels. The background is a field of dry, mature corn stalks and leaves, suggesting it is harvest time. To the right, text reads "Step 7 Harvesting Maize" along with a small circular inset image showing yellow and white corn kernels. The "DESIKHETI" logo is in the top right corner, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom. Given the current location of Hyderabad, Telangana, India, where maize is a significant crop, this image likely depicts the final stage of maize harvesting in that region.

Maize hybrids typically mature within 90–110 days. A simple test for maturity is that the husk turns pale brown, and the grains are too hard to be pressed with fingernails. The ideal time to harvest is when the grain moisture is around 20%.

The plants may still be green, so it is important not to wait for the stalks to dry completely, as this can delay harvesting and reduce grain quality. Additionally, the green stalks can be used as fodder, making timely harvesting beneficial for both grain production and livestock feed.

them to index and rank an image properly in image search. It also provides search engines with contextual information about the content on the page. Do not start with an Imge , a picture, visual etc A banner advertisement with the text "Enhance Your Crop Yields With High-Quality Maize Seeds" at the top. The background features a slightly blurred view of a lush green field of young maize (corn) plants growing in rows. On the left, a smartphone displays a mobile app interface with various icons, including what appears to be a corn cob icon. A hand on the right holds a tablet-like device displaying the "DESIKHETI" logo. A "CLICK HERE" button with an arrow pointing right is superimposed on the maize field image. Given the current location of Hyderabad, Telangana, India, maize (corn) is a significant crop, so this advertisement likely targets farmers in that region interested in high-quality seeds to improve their yields.

Common FAQs Related to Maize Seed Sowing

Q. What climate is best for growing Maize?

A. Maize thrives in warm, humid climates with moderate temperatures. The optimum temperature for maize growth is between 21°C and 32°C during the day, with a nighttime temperature above 15°C.

Q. Which soil is best for growing Maize?

A. Maize can be grown in a wide range of soils. The crop grows best in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter.

Q. What is the seed rate for Maize?

A. The average seed rate for maize is 8 to 10 kg per acre. However, the exact seed rate may vary depending on the sowing method, spacing, and other factors.

Q. When should Maize be harvested?

A. Maize can be harvested when the husk turns pale brown and the grain is hard enough that it cannot be pressed with fingernails. The ideal grain moisture content for harvesting is around 20%.

Q. How deep should Maize seeds be sown?

A. Maize seeds can be sown at a depth of 2–3 cm, with a maximum depth of 5 cm.

Q. What is the scientific name of Maize?

A. The scientific name of maize is Zea mays.

A banner advertisement with the text "Explore A Diverse Selection Of Maize Seeds For Your Farm" at the top. The background features a close-up shot of many yellow and white corn kernels on what appears to be a burlap sack. On the left, a smartphone displays a mobile app interface with various icons, including what appears to be a corn cob icon. A hand on the right holds a tablet-like device displaying the "DESIKHETI" logo. A "CLICK HERE" button with an arrow pointing right is superimposed on the corn kernel image. Given the current location of Hyderabad, Telangana, India, maize (corn) is a significant crop, so this advertisement likely targets farmers in that region.

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