Late Planting and Crop Maturity

Since the 2001 planting season got off to a very slow start, producers may wish to note the approximate crop maturity differences. To the right is a listing of the average days to physiological maturity of many crops grown in North Dakota. Early Killing frosts, plus extreme high temperatures at flowering time are the most limiting factors of high yields.

Time required for maturity varies with variety or hybrid, seeding date, geographic region and available growing degree days. A shortage of growing degree days can increase days required for maturity. Corn, soybean, sunflower and millet are especially sensitive. Relative maturities for major crop hybrids and varieties are listed in the respective NDSU variety performance circulars.

Average Days to Physiological Maturity (Source: NDSU) Crop Days Barley 70-85 Oats 82-98 HRSW 83-98 Durum 85-100 Wheat 85-95 Field Peas 90-110 Corn 85-100 Canola 85-100 Mustard 80-95 Soybean 95-110 Sunflower 90-110 Dry Beans 90-110 Proso Millet 70-90 Buckwheat 70-80 Sugarbeet Frost Triticale 75-85 Lentils 80-90 Crambe 85-95