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Classification of Corn Plants

Gardening Guide: The Everything Corn Guide: All You Need to Know About Growing, Harvesting, Cooking, and Eating the All-American Crop

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Classification of Corn Plants

By Norann Oleson

Growth stages of a young corn plant

Growth stages of a young corn plant

Corn has something in common with bananas—and it’s not just the yellow color. Both plants are classified as monocots, because their embryos have only a single leaf or cotyledon in their seed. Other monocot plants include lilies and palm trees.

While there are many varieties of corn, popular varieties will give you some diversity in your harvest to help feed your kitchen with different corn for different recipes.

All corn falls into these scientific classifications:

  • Kingdom: Plantae (plants)
  • Order: Cyperales (flowering plants)
  • Family: Poaceae (grass family)
  • Genus: Zea L. (corn)
  • Species: Zea mays L. (corn)

A Word About Corn Plant Cultivars

Sweet Corn of Table

Sweet Corn of Table

For cooking and eating purposes, sweet corn is tops. Within that type, there are three cultivars you should be aware of: SU, SH2, and SE.

  • SU, referred to as “sugary,” is the most common cultivar for home growing. It offers that old-time corn flavor and tolerates cooler temperatures better than the other types, but has a shorter shelf life once picked.
  • SH2 is known as “supersweet” or “ultrasweet,” indicating that it’s, well, sweeter than other types. The SH stands for “shrunken.” This cultivar can be a little more challenging to grow, but it holds its flavor in the fridge for up to a week.
  • SE, meaning “sugar extended,” tends to be very sweet, tender, and crisp. The kernels last longer on the plant after harvest, but it prefers warm weather, making it a little tricky to grow if you don’t have a long, hot growing period in your area. Once harvested, it lasts for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Corn plants will be labeled with their cultivar codes, so you can take that into consideration when choosing your varieties.

Have you ever grown any of these types of corn? Which varieties have you grown and how successful were you with your crop? Please share your tips for growing corn.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Curator’s Corner
  • Introduction
  • Feature Articles

  • Types of Corn Plants
  • How to Pollinate—and Avoid Cross-Pollinating—Corn
  • Classification of Corn Plants
  • Choosing to Grow Corn from Seeds or Seedlings
  • Growing Corn in Open Land, in Containers, or in Raised Beds
  • Ensuring the Right Sunlight, Soil, Fertilizer, and Water for Your Corn Plants
  • How to Spot, Treat, and Prevent Corn Diseases Such as Corn Smut
  • What to Do About Pests that Can Harm Your Corn Plants
  • The Right Way to Weed Your Corn Garden
  • Essential Tools and Equipment for Growing and Enjoying Corn
  • When and How to Harvest Your Corn
  • Plant Profiles

  • Silver Queen Hybrid Corn
  • Ruby Queen Hybrid Corn
  • Picasso Hybrid Corn
  • Nirvana Hybrid Corn
  • Jubilee Hybrid Corn
  • Honey Select Hybrid Corn
  • Golden Bantam Heirloom Corn
  • Ambrosia Hybrid Corn
  • Recipes

  • Corny Cornbread
  • Tagliatelle with Corn and Tomatoes
  • Vegetarian Corn Chowder
  • Fresh Sautéed Corn
  • Zucchini Corn Fritters
  • Corn, Tomato, and Avocado Salad
  • Mexican Street Corn
  • Additional Articles

  • Nutrition Facts about Corn
  • Home Remedies & Health Benefits of Corn
  • Resources about Corn
  • Corn Glossary
  • Related Articles

  • The Easiest Vegetables to Grow in Pots
  • Easy Chicken and Corn Skillet Recipe
  • How to Hand-Pollinate Corn and Stop Growing Single-Kernel Cobs
  • The Everything Corn Guide—All You Need to Know About Growing, Harvesting, Cooking, and Eating the All-American Crop

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