Maize can take 65 – 120 days to grow or reach harvest. The time it takes for maize to reach harvest depends on a lot of factors. These factors include temperature, availability of water, soil fertility and whether the maize crop will be harvested as wet cobs or dry cobs.
In the northern part of Nigeria, maize reaches harvest time quickly because of the intensity of sunlight. High temperature can speed up the time it takes for maize to grow or reach harvest.
In the cooler part of Nigeria like Jos Plateau, maize may not reach harvest time quickly. The time to harvest is an important concept in maize farming.
Factors that affect how long it takes for maize to grow or reach harvest
The following are the factors that affect how long it takes for maize to grow or reach harvest:
Climatic Condition
In areas with a high temperature, maize plant will reach harvest quickly. In areas with cold temperature, maize plant will not reach harvest time quickly. Other climatic factors that can affect the time it takes for maize to grow are humidity and level of rainfall.
Availability of Water
The lack of water for the growing of maize can delay its time to maturity. If you grow your maize with rains, if the rains cease, your maize will not reach harvest on time. If you have irrigation in place, your maize may reach harvest time quickly.
Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases can cause stunted growth in maize plants, this can delay the time to maturity. In some cases, pests and diseases may even stop the maize plant from reaching maturity. This will lead to zero yield.
Soil Fertility
Poor soil fertility can lead to a delay in the harvest time of maize plants. When the soil is rich with nutrients, the maize plant can reach harvest on time.
The Use of Fertilizers and Manure
The use of the right type of fertilizers and manure can enhance the growth of maize plants. This can shorten the time to maturity of maize plants.
Stage of Harvest
If you want to harvest your maize crop as fodder for animals, you can harvest as early as 50 – 60 days. If you want to harvest as fresh cobs, you can harvest as early as 70 – 80 days. If you want to harvest as dry cobs, you may wait till 110 – 120 days.
Should you need any further information on how long it takes for maize to grow, please contact us.