Will my corn grow ears if I grow it indoors?

It is very difficult to grow corn indoors because it requires intense light and wind for pollination. You will likely not get ears unless you use high output grow lights and manually pollinate.

Do I need to do anything to help my corn flower?

Corn is wind pollinated, so planting in blocks rather than single rows helps the pollen reach the silks. Ensure the soil stays moist during the silking stage to keep the plant healthy.

Why is my corn not producing ears? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Measure the hours of direct sunlight your plants receive.
Check the soil fertility levels with a home test kit.
Inspect the tassels to see if they are shedding pollen.

Likely causes

Insufficient Sunlight
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks stunted or lacks the vigor to push out tassels and silks. Corn requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun daily.
What to do: Move your container to a spot with full sun exposure. If planted in the ground, ensure no tall structures or trees are casting shade during the peak of the day.
Nutrient Deficiency
Most likely
How to tell: Leaves may look pale or yellow, and the plant stops growing before it reaches the reproductive stage. Corn is a heavy feeder that needs plenty of nitrogen and phosphorus.
What to do: Apply a balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 formula once the plants are 12 inches tall. Follow up with another application when the tassels begin to emerge.

Find out what's wrong with your maize

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the plant has reached its full height and still shows no signs of tassels or silks, it is unlikely to produce ears this season.

Stopping it coming back

Plant your corn in the sunniest spot available and maintain a consistent feeding schedule throughout the growing season.

Keep your maize healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will my corn grow ears if I grow it indoors?: It is very difficult to grow corn indoors because it requires intense light and wind for pollination. You will likely not get ears unless you use high output grow lights and manually pollinate.
Do I need to do anything to help my corn flower?: Corn is wind pollinated, so planting in blocks rather than single rows helps the pollen reach the silks. Ensure the soil stays moist during the silking stage to keep the plant healthy.

Why is my corn not producing ears?