Growing Corn in Centre-Val de Loire
25 adapted varieties
In Centre-Val de Loire, the local agronomic conditions (Cfb — oceanic temperate climate, 1324 growing degree days, loam soil at pH 5.8, 292 frost-free days) are particularly favorable to corn cultivation.
Favorable growing period: April to October.
Recommended varieties: LSM 0811 (Algor), ZETA 140 S, LS Siliciana
Climate
Sufficient growing degree days (1324 GDD) to complete the corn cycle.
Notable summer water deficit (-271 mm). Pick drought-tolerant varieties.
Long frost-free season (292 days), allowing broad crop cycles.
Sowing calendar
Favorable growing period: April to October.
Soil & recommendations
Slightly acidic soil (pH 5.8). Liming can improve performance.
Recommended varieties
LSM 0811 (Algor)
An early hybrid offering strong silage and grain potential with excellent rusticity and luxuriant vegetation.
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.
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.
TA57-23
Ultra-early double-cross hybrid suited for catch cropping, high densities and strong digestibility.
Smyrna
Early silage hybrid offering strong yield potential and solid agronomic performance.
LS MARIDOL
Ultra-early hybrid with a very fast dry down and excellent digestibility.
LS Zetalia
Early double-cross hybrid with strong and consistent yield, very good digestibility and solid agronomic balance.
ZETA 125
Ultra-early hybrid with ultra-fast dry-down, strong density adaptation and excellent forage 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.
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 Arolia
Ultra-early hybrid delivering high forage yield, strong feed value and excellent digestibility.
LS Norvia
Ultra-early hybrid with a very short cycle, rapid dry down, and strong digestibility.
LS Joalia
A very early hybrid offering strong forage potential and excellent adaptation to high sowing densities.
Corn ELAMIANA
Medium-early silage corn hybrid combining strong vigor, high protein levels and excellent digestibility.
LS Tirnavia
Early to semi-early hybrid combining strong yield potential, solid agronomic health and very good forage quality.
LS Amuria
Very early double-hybrid maize with strong forage quality and excellent digestibility.
ZETA 200
Very early silage hybrid with strong yield potential, high feeding value and good adaptation to dense stands.
Rudilia
Semi-early hybrid with strong silage potential, solid stress tolerance, and very good feeding value.
Corn EFEZIA
Semi-early silage corn with strong health, high yield potential and excellent feeding value.
| Variety | Maturity (FAO) | Type | Use | Suitability for the region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LSM 0811 (Algor) | Early, end of group B | Flint–dent | Dual-purpose with grain tendency | 8/10 |
| ZETA 140 S | FAO 140 | Flint–dent to dent | Silage and grain | 8/10 |
| LS Siliciana | FAO 170 | 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 |
| TA57-23 | FAO 120 | Flint to semi-flint | Silage | 8/10 |
| Smyrna | Early – B group | Flint to semi flint | Silage | 8/10 |
| LS MARIDOL | FAO 120 | Flint – so flint | Silage and grain | 8/10 |
| LS Zetalia | FAO 220 | Semi-dent to dent | Silage | 8/10 |
| ZETA 125 | FAO 125 | Flint – soft flint | Grain and silage | 8/10 |
| ZETA 110 S | FAO 110 | Flint | Silage and grain | 8/10 |
| LS Parisiana | FAO 120 | Soft flint | Grain and silage | 8/10 |
| ZETA 120 | FAO 120 | Flint – soft flint | Grain and silage | 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 Arolia | FAO 120 | — | Silage | 8/10 |
| LS Norvia | FAO 100 | Flint to semi-flint | Silage | 8/10 |
| LS Joalia | FAO 180 | Semi-dent | Silage and grain | 8/10 |
| Corn ELAMIANA | FAO 250 | Flint to semi-dent | Silage | 8/10 |
| LS Tirnavia | Early to semi early (end of B group) | Flint to semi flint | Grain and silage | 8/10 |
| LS Amuria | FAO 170 | Semi-dent corn | Silage | 8/10 |
| ZETA 200 | FAO 200 | Semi-dent | Silage | 8/10 |
| Rudilia | Semi early – C1 group | Semi-dent to Dent | Silage | 7/10 |
| Corn EFEZIA | Semi-early (end of C1 group) | — | Silage | 7/10 |
Risks & watchpoints
Key agronomic watchpoints in this zone:
- Rootworm: pressure 6/10.
- European corn borer: pressure 5/10.
- Drought stress: 5/10.
Other adapted crops in this zone
Other regions to grow corn
Agronomic summary
Grain maize in Centre-Val de Loire depends heavily on irrigation, especially in Beauce and Berry where the summer deficit reaches -271 mm. The 1,324 GDD allow mid-early varieties (corn-efezia, lsm-0811-algor, ls-tirnavia). Beauce's deep silts offer good water-holding but recent very dry summers (2022, 2023) made irrigation unavoidable. Silage maize is easier rainfed in Touraine or the Berry bocage.
Frequently asked questions
Which corn variety is best suited for Centre-Val de Loire?
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 Centre-Val de Loire.
When is the best time to sow corn in Centre-Val de Loire?
The favorable sowing window is typically from April 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 Centre-Val de Loire?
Yields depend on variety, agronomic management and the season. Under typical Centre-Val de Loire conditions with good practices, our adapted varieties target stable, competitive commercial yields. Precise ranges are available on request.