Growing Corn in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
20 adapted varieties
In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the local agronomic conditions (Cfb — oceanic temperate climate, 1111 growing degree days, loam soil at pH 6, 251 frost-free days) are particularly favorable to corn cultivation.
Favorable growing period: May to October.
Recommended varieties: ZETA 140 S, LS Siliciana, LS Amuria
Climate
Limited growing degree days (1111 GDD). Choose the earliest maturing varieties.
Balanced summer water budget — no significant water stress.
Long frost-free season (251 days), allowing broad crop cycles.
Sowing calendar
Favorable growing period: May to October.
Soil & recommendations
Neutral pH (6), suitable for most crops.
Recommended varieties
ZETA 140 S
Very early hybrid with ultra-short cycle, excellent silage quality, strong grain potential and catch cropping suitability.
LS Siliciana
Very early double-cross hybrid delivering strong silage yield, good forage quality and reliable digestibility.
LS Amuria
Very early double-hybrid maize with strong forage quality and excellent digestibility.
ZETA 125
Ultra-early hybrid with ultra-fast dry-down, strong density adaptation and excellent forage digestibility.
LS Arolia
Ultra-early hybrid delivering high forage yield, strong feed value and excellent digestibility.
LS Parisiana
Ultra early silage-oriented hybrid with high digestibility and strong adaptation to dense planting.
LS Norvia
Ultra-early hybrid with a very short cycle, rapid dry down, and strong digestibility.
ZETA 110 S
Ultra-early hybrid with a very short cycle, fast dry-down, strong density adaptation and excellent grain-to-precocity ratio.
ZETA 120
Ultra-early hybrid with ultra-fast dry-down, strong density adaptation and very good forage digestibility.
TA57-23
Ultra-early double-cross hybrid suited for catch cropping, high densities and strong digestibility.
ZETA 115 S
Ultra-early hybrid with a very short cycle, rapid maturity, strong density adaptation and excellent feeding quality.
LS BAJKALIA
Ultra-early corn hybrid offering very fast dry down and excellent digestibility.
LS Maridol
Ultra-early hybrid with a very short cycle, ideal for early silage and fast grain maturity.
LS Marelia
Ultra early hybrid with fast dry down, strong density tolerance and excellent digestibility.
ZETA 105
Ultra-early hybrid with ultra-short cycle, rapid dry-down, and strong performance under dense planting.
LS MARIDOL
Ultra-early hybrid with a very fast dry down and excellent digestibility.
LS Tirnavia
Early to semi-early hybrid combining strong yield potential, solid agronomic health and very good forage quality.
LS Joalia
A very early hybrid offering strong forage potential and excellent adaptation to high sowing densities.
Smyrna
Early silage hybrid offering strong yield potential and solid agronomic performance.
LSM 0811 (Algor)
An early hybrid offering strong silage and grain potential with excellent rusticity and luxuriant vegetation.
| Variety | Maturity (FAO) | Type | Use | Suitability for the region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZETA 140 S | FAO 140 | Flint–dent to dent | Silage and grain | 9/10 |
| LS Siliciana | FAO 170 | Flint to semi-flint | Silage | 9/10 |
| LS Amuria | FAO 170 | Semi-dent corn | Silage | 9/10 |
| ZETA 125 | FAO 125 | Flint – soft flint | Grain and silage | 9/10 |
| LS Arolia | FAO 120 | — | Silage | 9/10 |
| LS Parisiana | FAO 120 | Soft flint | Grain and silage | 8/10 |
| LS Norvia | FAO 100 | Flint to semi-flint | Silage | 8/10 |
| ZETA 110 S | FAO 110 | Flint | Silage and grain | 8/10 |
| ZETA 120 | FAO 120 | Flint – soft flint | Grain and silage | 8/10 |
| TA57-23 | FAO 120 | Flint to semi-flint | Silage | 8/10 |
| ZETA 115 S | FAO 115 | Flint | Silage and grain | 8/10 |
| LS BAJKALIA | FAO 120 | Flint – so flint | Silage | 8/10 |
| LS Maridol | FAO 120 | — | Silage - grain | 8/10 |
| LS Marelia | FAO 130 | Flint - soft flint | Grain and silage | 8/10 |
| ZETA 105 | FAO 105 | Flint – soft flint | Grain and silage | 8/10 |
| LS MARIDOL | FAO 120 | Flint – so flint | Silage and grain | 8/10 |
| LS Tirnavia | Early to semi early (end of B group) | Flint to semi flint | Grain and silage | 7/10 |
| LS Joalia | FAO 180 | Semi-dent | Silage and grain | 7/10 |
| Smyrna | Early – B group | Flint to semi flint | Silage | 7/10 |
| LSM 0811 (Algor) | Early, end of group B | Flint–dent | Dual-purpose with grain tendency | 7/10 |
Risks & watchpoints
Key agronomic watchpoints in this zone:
- Rootworm: pressure 6/10.
- European corn borer: pressure 5/10.
Other adapted crops in this zone
Other regions to grow corn
Agronomic summary
Grain maize is a historic crop of Limagne (Puy-de-Dôme, Allier), often irrigated, and of the Rhône valley. The 1,111 regional GDD allow mid-early varieties like corn-efezia or ls-tirnavia in the plains, but impose ultra-early hybrids (LS Bajkalia, ZETA 105) at altitude (Cantal, Haute-Loire). Limagne's black soils, among the most fertile in France, support high yields with controlled irrigation.
Frequently asked questions
Which corn variety is best suited for Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes?
The varieties recommended above are pre-selected based on local climate, soil and disease pressure. Top picks combine adapted maturity, yield stability and the specific disease tolerances needed in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
When is the best time to sow corn in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes?
The favorable sowing window is typically from May to October. Exact timing depends on soil temperature (>10°C at 5 cm), weather forecast and your local agronomist's advice.
What yield can I expect from corn in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes?
Yields depend on variety, agronomic management and the season. Under typical Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes conditions with good practices, our adapted varieties target stable, competitive commercial yields. Precise ranges are available on request.