• Maize, or corn, is a warm weather crop.Erik Rank/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  Maize (Zea mays) is better known in the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries as corn. This crop produces cereal grain and cobs, which can be boiled, steamed or grilled. Maize was domesticated in Mexico 5,000 to 7,000 years ago and was an important crop for the Native Americans and colonial settlers. Today maize grows around the world and is the most important cereal grain in sub-Saharan African, notes IITA.
  
  

Soil Temperature

• Maize seeds will not germinate in cold soil and cannot be planted before the last frost date has passed. North Carolina State University suggests planting in soils between 70 to 85 F. Measure soil temperature using a dial thermometer. Maize seeds also germinate poorly in boggy, wet soils.
  
  

Pollination

• Since maize is pollinated by the wind (as opposed to insects), it requires adequate wind space between rows. When planting maize, plan to create at least four rows side by side to ensure pollination. Planting spacing varies by the variety you're growing. The University of Illinois recommends nine to 12 inches between seeds and 30 to 36 inches between rows.
  
  

Light

• This plant does best if planted in full sun. You can plant it in part sun if you must, but maize cannot be grown in the shade.
  
  

Soil pH

• The preferred pH range of this plant is 5.5. to seven, a slightly acidic to neutral pH. If you're unsure what your soil's pH is, ask your county extension officer for a soil test or purchase a soil test kit. Gardeners with alkaline pH levels can adjust them down by adding sulfur, while lime can be used to raise soil pH.
  
  

Water

• The seeds must be watered in order to germinate. After germination, the developing plants should be watered regularly since they are not drought tolerant. Lack of adequate water can reduce crop quality and quantity.