Growing Corn in Bretagne
16 adapted varieties
In Bretagne, the local agronomic conditions (Cfb — oceanic temperate climate, 1014 growing degree days, silt loam soil at pH 5.5, 305 frost-free days) are particularly favorable to corn cultivation.
Favorable growing period: May to October.
Recommended varieties: LS Maridol, ZETA 115 S, LS BAJKALIA
Climate
Limited growing degree days (1014 GDD). Choose the earliest maturing varieties.
Notable summer water deficit (-127 mm). Pick drought-tolerant varieties.
Long frost-free season (305 days), allowing broad crop cycles.
Sowing calendar
Favorable growing period: May to October.
Soil & recommendations
Slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5). Liming can improve performance.
Recommended varieties
LS Maridol
Ultra-early hybrid with a very short cycle, ideal for early silage and fast grain maturity.
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.
ZETA 110 S
Ultra-early hybrid with a very short cycle, fast dry-down, strong density adaptation and excellent grain-to-precocity ratio.
LS Parisiana
Ultra early silage-oriented hybrid with high digestibility and strong adaptation to dense planting.
ZETA 120
Ultra-early hybrid with ultra-fast dry-down, strong density adaptation and very good forage digestibility.
ZETA 125
Ultra-early hybrid with ultra-fast dry-down, strong density adaptation and excellent forage digestibility.
TA57-23
Ultra-early double-cross hybrid suited for catch cropping, high densities and strong digestibility.
LS MARIDOL
Ultra-early hybrid with a very fast dry down and excellent digestibility.
ZETA 105
Ultra-early hybrid with ultra-short cycle, rapid dry-down, and strong performance under dense planting.
LS Marelia
Ultra early hybrid with fast dry down, strong density tolerance and excellent digestibility.
LS Norvia
Ultra-early hybrid with a very short cycle, rapid dry down, and strong digestibility.
LS Arolia
Ultra-early hybrid delivering high forage yield, strong feed value and excellent digestibility.
LS Siliciana
Very early double-cross hybrid delivering strong silage yield, good forage quality and reliable digestibility.
ZETA 140 S
Very early hybrid with ultra-short cycle, excellent silage quality, strong grain potential and catch cropping suitability.
LS Amuria
Very early double-hybrid maize with strong forage quality and excellent digestibility.
| Variety | Maturity (FAO) | Type | Use | Suitability for the region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS Maridol | FAO 120 | — | Silage - grain | 9/10 |
| ZETA 115 S | FAO 115 | Flint | Silage and grain | 9/10 |
| LS BAJKALIA | FAO 120 | Flint – so flint | Silage | 9/10 |
| ZETA 110 S | FAO 110 | Flint | Silage and grain | 9/10 |
| LS Parisiana | FAO 120 | Soft flint | Grain and silage | 9/10 |
| ZETA 120 | FAO 120 | Flint – soft flint | Grain and silage | 9/10 |
| ZETA 125 | FAO 125 | Flint – soft flint | Grain and silage | 9/10 |
| TA57-23 | FAO 120 | Flint to semi-flint | Silage | 9/10 |
| LS MARIDOL | FAO 120 | Flint – so flint | Silage and grain | 9/10 |
| ZETA 105 | FAO 105 | Flint – soft flint | Grain and silage | 9/10 |
| LS Marelia | FAO 130 | Flint - soft flint | Grain and silage | 9/10 |
| LS Norvia | FAO 100 | Flint to semi-flint | Silage | 9/10 |
| LS Arolia | FAO 120 | — | Silage | 8/10 |
| LS Siliciana | FAO 170 | Flint to semi-flint | Silage | 8/10 |
| ZETA 140 S | FAO 140 | Flint–dent to dent | Silage and grain | 8/10 |
| LS Amuria | FAO 170 | Semi-dent corn | Silage | 8/10 |
Other adapted crops in this zone
Other regions to grow corn
Agronomic summary
Silage maize is Brittany's flagship crop, supporting dairy and pork production. The 1,014 GDD allow ultra-early varieties (LS Bajkalia FAO 120, LS Norvia FAO 100, ZETA 115-S) for grain, but silage accepts a broader range thanks to early harvest. Acidic soils (pH 5.5) require careful liming and phosphorus management. Regular oceanic rainfall secures yields even rainfed.
Frequently asked questions
Which corn variety is best suited for Bretagne?
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 Bretagne.
When is the best time to sow corn in Bretagne?
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 Bretagne?
Yields depend on variety, agronomic management and the season. Under typical Bretagne conditions with good practices, our adapted varieties target stable, competitive commercial yields. Precise ranges are available on request.