Quick facts
| Arabic name | الذرة الشامية |
|---|---|
| English name | Maize (Corn) |
| Scientific name | Zea mays |
| Family | Grass family (Poaceae) |
| Plant type | Annual grain crop |
| Height | 1.5 to 3 m |
| Water use | High |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
February to March, and July to August
Harvest time
June to July, and October to November
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A tall upright stem with wide strap leaves, a male tassel on top and side cobs with yellow kernels.
Where it grows
Grown in farms under center-pivot irrigation and in southern valleys.
Soil
Deep, rich, well-drained soil.
Water and irrigation
Needs a lot of water, especially at flowering and grain filling.
Climate and light
Likes heat and sun. Grown in spring and summer.
Propagation
By seed.
Benefits and uses
- Grain feeds people and poultry
- The plant is used as silage for livestock
- Cobs are eaten grilled or boiled
- Oil and starch are made from it
Drawbacks
- Uses a lot of water
- Corn borers attack it
- Uses up soil nutrients
Important notes
Because it needs a lot of water, it should be grown carefully in desert areas.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources: