- This is the time after the seed has been placed in the ground and begins to absorb water. Once it reaches a moisture level of 30%, it sends out its first root to collect more water and nutrients and sends up the first leaf node towards the light. The growing point is still below the surface of the dirt so minor harm will not kill the plant. The roots are only about two inches long but are rapidly growing.
- Rapid growth occurs during the next two weeks as the second leaf unfurls, followed quickly by others. The initial seed root stops growing and side roots grow rapidly, reaching into the soil, anchoring the plant and supplying nutrients. The plant reaches about eight inches in height, but the growing point is still just below the surface so it is important not to cultivate the soil around the plant to remove weeds.
- The fourth and fifth weeks are another stage in the sweet corn plant as the growing point moves closer to the surface and the roots creep almost two feet down and out into the soil. Fertilizer is often applied at this stage as the plant is quickly using the existing nutrients in the soil. The tassel is just beginning to form and the ear shoots are forming. Flooding at this stage can damage the plant if the growth point stays too long under water.
- From the sixth through eighth weeks, the corn plant undergoes rapid growth, sending the growth point to the surface, establishing stronger roots that reach six feet underground, as well as bracing roots that grow from above ground. The ear shoots continue to grow and the tassel often starts to show. Proper moisture and fertilizer is critical at this stage or the prolific growth will be stunted.
- This is the time that varies between types of corn when the vegetative growth has all but stopped and all of the plant's energy is going into ripening the seeds or kernels within the ear shoots. The tassel has fully formed and dropped its pollen, fertilizing the grains of corn.
