Understanding corn’s early growth stages will help you stay one step ahead of pressures from weather, pests and diseases.
Corn growth stages correspond to the number of leaf collars developed (V1 = one visible leaf and collar, V2 = two unfurled leaves with collars, etc.).
Naturally there will be variations, but staging based on leaf measurements is generally considered an effective tool for gauging maturity and timing applications. Adhere strictly to all guidance on labels regarding growth stages.
Vegetative growth stages for corn
During the vegetative corn growth stages, the plant is gaining mass, building a root network and producing leaves to help with later stages of maturity.
Corn germination period and VE corn growth stage
The corn germination period begins when seed moisture content is at least 30%. Low temperatures can damage germinating plants, especially if they’re taking in water that’s colder than 50 F. It’s best to plant corn seeds when average temperatures are expected to remain at or above 50 F.
Emergence usually occurs two to three weeks after germination, but it can vary from four days in warm conditions to up to four weeks in colder weather.¹
Herbicide timing
- Verdict® and Sharpen® must be applied prior to corn emergence but can provide great burndown as well as residual control of weeds.
- Outlook®, Surtain® and Zidua SC® do not control emerged weeds but can be applied pre-plant, pre-emergence or early post for residual control of weeds and are exceptionally strong on waterhemp and palmer amaranth.
- Armezon PRO® can be applied pre-emergence through V8 but is generally most effective early post as it offers both post-emergence and residual control of weeds.
V1 and V2 corn growth stages
The V1 corn growth stage generally occurs about one week after emergence, evidenced by the first leaf with a visible collar. When the second leaf and second leaf collar are fully visible, corn has entered the V2 corn stage. Applying fertilizer to V2 corn may help stimulate early root growth but isn’t generally required.
Weed control with Armezon® and Armezon PRO are most effective when applied between the V2-V3 growth stages. Status® herbicide can be applied starting at the four-inch or V2 stage of corn, up to 36” corn for post-emergence control of broadleaf weeds. Always follow label instructions.
V3 corn to V5 corn growth stages
V3 corn (about three weeks post emergence) is unlikely to be injured by light frost or hail since its growing point is still below the surface. But by V5, the growing point is nearing the surface, and the plant is becoming more vulnerable.
Unaddressed weeds can take a significant toll on corn growth and yield potential as they compete for water, nutrients and sunlight.
V6 to tasseling corn growth stages
The microscopic tassel and growing point move above the soil surface at V6, making plants especially vulnerable to above-ground damage.² From V6 through tasseling, corn grows rapidly, and any nutrient or water deficiencies can take a serious toll. As much as 65% percent of nitrogen used in corn’s growth is taken up from V8 to tasseling. If you haven’t applied nitrogen in the spring to address a nutrient deficiency, this may be the time to sidedress with nitrogen.
In late vegetative stages of corn up through tasseling, reducing stressors is especially important. Adequate irrigation, insect disease and weed control ensure a smooth transition into the reproductive phases.
VT through R3 is the optimum time for fungicide applications to corn. Veltyma® and Priaxor® fungicides both provide superior protection from yield-robbing infections as well as providing plant health benefits for more efficient crop growth and stress reduction.
For more info on corn growth stages and timely applications, contact your seed retailer, a nearby extension office agent or your regional BASF representative.
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Endnotes
- Nielson, R. L. “The Emergence Process in Corn (Purdue University).” Purdue, Apr. 2020, www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/corn/news/timeless/emergence.html. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
- “Corn Growth Stage Development.” UC Davis, 21 Mar. 2024, corn.ucdavis.edu/crop-development. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
