Field Crops> Maize> Climatic Requirement

Maize is a warm weather plant. It grows from sea level to 3000 metre altitudes. It can be grown under diverse conditions. It is grown in many parts of the country throughout the year. Kharif (monsoon) season is the main growing season in northern India. In the south, however, maize may be sown any time from April to October, as the climate is warm even in the winter. Maize requires considerable moisture and warmth from germination to flowering. The most suitable temperature for germination is 21°C and for growth 32°C. Extremely high temperature and low humidity during flowering damage the foliage, desiccates the pollen and interferes with proper pollination, resulting in poor grain formation. Fifty to seventy-five centimeters of well-distributed rain is conducive to proper growth. Maize is very sensitive to stagnant water, particularly during its early stages of growth.