How Many Days for Corn Seeds to Germinate? A Detailed Explanation of Germination Time After Sowing
Under the most suitable conditions, corn seeds can germinate in 3-5 days. Because summer temperatures are suitable, corn seeds generally germinate and emerge in about 5-7 days after being sown in the ground. Sowing in spring takes a little longer, generally requiring about 7-10 days to germinate and emerge.
What conditions mainly affect corn germination?
1. Moisture
Corn can germinate normally when it absorbs 48%-50% moisture of the seed's dry weight. When the soil moisture in the 5-10 cm soil layer reaches 60% of the field maximum water-holding capacity, it can meet the needs of seed germination. When the soil moisture is about 70% of the field maximum water-holding capacity, emergence is fast and the emergence rate is high. When the soil moisture reaches more than 80% of the field water-holding capacity, because there is too much soil moisture and insufficient air, the seeds are prone to rot, affecting emergence.
2. Temperature
Corn seeds generally begin to germinate at 6-7°C, but germination is extremely slow and they are susceptible to infection by pathogens, or even rot and cause missing seedlings; germination is more suitable at 10-12°C, fastest at 25-35°C, and above 40°C is unfavorable for germination. Therefore, when the ground temperature of the 5-10 cm soil layer is stable at 10-12°C, this is taken as the suitable sowing period for spring corn.
The level of temperature has a great influence on the speed of emergence. At 10-12°C, emergence generally occurs 18-20 days after sowing; at 15-18°C, emergence occurs in 8-10 days; at 20-35°C, emergence can occur in 5-6 days, and the emergence rate is the highest; after exceeding 40°C, the seedlings stop developing.
3. Oxygen
Oxygen is a necessary condition for seed germination. Corn seeds have a large embryo and high fat content, and when germinating and decomposing fat, they need more oxygen. Under normal circumstances, the oxygen content of the soil can fully meet the needs of corn seed germination and emergence. But if the soil is too wet, or sown too deep, or if the soil crusts after rain following sowing, it will cause insufficient oxygen, prolong the emergence time, increase nutrient consumption, and make the seedlings weak.
4. Soil properties
Different soils have different effects on corn emergence. Generally, loamy soil is easier to emerge from than heavy clay soil, and the emergence rate is higher. Because saline-alkali land has low soil temperature and high salt and alkali content, it affects seed water absorption and other life activities, and germination and emergence are slow. When the soil salt content reaches 0.6%, germination is very difficult.
Summary: The above content is an introduction compiled for everyone on how many days it takes for corn seeds to germinate, and we hope it can help those who need it.