Treated Corn Seed
Zea mays var. saccharata • Poaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Vegetable/Grain
🌍 Origin Region
Mesoamerica (Central Mexico); globally cultivated in temperate and tropical regions.
📅 Days to Maturity
60-90 days depending on variety; best harvested when silks turn brown and kernels are milky.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
Zones 3-11 (Annual); killed by frost.
About This Seed
Small, shriveled, angular seeds coated in a reddish-pink antimicrobial fungicide/insecticide treatment. The resulting plant is a tall, single-stalked grass with long leaves and ears of corn.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Late Spring to Early Summer; requires soil temperatures above 60°F (15°C); no frost tolerance.
Germination
7-10 days; optimal soil temperature 65-85°F (18-29°C); high germination rate (85%+); no light required; do not pre-soak treated seeds.
Planting Instructions
Depth: 1-1.5 inches; Spacing: 8-12 inches apart; Rows: 30-36 inches apart; Soil: Well-drained, nitrogen-rich; pH: 6.0-6.8.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6-8+ hours); consistent moisture particularly during silking; roughly 1 inch of water per week.
Companion Plants
Beneficial: Beans, Squash (Three Sisters), Peas, Marigolds. Avoid: Tomatoes (shared pests like corn earworm).
Special Characteristics
Pink/red coating indicates chemical treatment to prevent damping off and soil pests; high wind pollination needs; very heavy feeder (nitrogen).