Why Is My Sweet Corn Dying

During periods of moisture stress, the corn is unable to absorb the nutrients it needs, leaving it weakened and susceptible to diseases and insect attack. Water stress during vegetative growth stages reduces stem and leaf cell expansion, resulting in not only smaller plants, but often wilting corn stalks.

How do you save a dying sweet corn plant?

An easy fix is to move the plant away from the window exposing the leaves to direct sunlight, or filter sunlight by using a curtain or UV filtering window film. A related symptom of overexposure to direct sunlight is the leaves of the corn plant growing inward.

How often should sweet corn be watered?

Sweet corn needs ample water from germination to harvest, but the most critical period for water is about 2 weeks before silks form. Aim for 1 inch of water per week, and supplement natural rainfall with irrigation as needed.