Corn growth and development are strongly influenced by environmental temperatures. Corn develops more rapidly in warmer temperatures and more slowly in cooler conditions. When corn is planted in late April in Michigan, emergence can take as long as 18 days. In contrast, corn planted in mid-May typically emerges within a week. The difference in time to emergence is primarily due to normally warmer air and soil temperatures later in the spring season. Temperature also impacts the timing of other key phenological stages such as silking and black layer.
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Select corn by growing degree days
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Experimental plots show corn at different growth stages based on planting dates.Â
Growing degree day accumulation was observed for Michigan between 2020 to 2025. Growing degree days were estimated using the 86/50 method from May 1 to Sept. 30.
Growing degree day accumulation to black layer shows decline in growing degree day requirement with delayed planting for five corn hybrid maturities. The colored lines represent different hybrid maturities as indicated by their relative maturities and growing degree day ratings. The dates indicate the day black layer was achieved at each planting dates for the shortest -- dates below -- and longest maturity -- dates above -- hybrids.
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