6 Best High Nitrogen Fertilizer For Corn | Skip The 46-0-0 Hype

Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.

A quick note on sizes: not every pick below is the exact size or number you searched — where the exact one is scarce, the nearest same-type option that serves the same purpose is included so you get real, in-stock choices. Each pick’s actual specs are listed.

You know that feeling when your corn stalks look pale and thin just as the ears should be filling out. The fix is almost always nitrogen — corn is one of the hungriest crops for it. But you need a source with a first N-P-K number (the nitrogen percentage) at 30 or higher to get concentrated feeding without wasting money on filler. This list is built from those numbers: every pick has an N-P-K analysis of 30 or above, so you get pure feeding power.

I’m Rikta — the founder and writer behind Lawn Gear Lab. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.

If you need fast-acting granulars for a mid-season side-dress (applying fertilizer alongside the corn row during growth) or a slow-release option that feeds your sweet corn all summer, the breakdown below gives you a clear way to choose the best high nitrogen fertilizer for corn.

Our Picks at a Glance

Easy Peasy Urea Fertilizer 46-0-0
Best OverallEasy Peasy Urea Fertilizer 46-0-04.6★2,689 ratingsThe 46-0-0 that buyers report “makes sweet corn jump.” This pick earns the top spot because its 46-0-0 analysis delivers the highest nitrogen concentration you can get in a granular fertilizer.Check Price on Amazon
CountryMax Urea Fertilizer 46-0-0, 10LB Bag
Best ValueCountryMax Urea Fertilizer 46-0-0, 10LB Bag4.7★74 ratingsA 50-pound bag of 46-0-0 that cuts your per-pound cost compared to the Easy Peasy 10-pound bag.Check Price on Amazon

How To Choose The Best High Nitrogen Fertilizer For Corn

Choosing the right high-nitrogen fertilizer for corn is not just about grabbing the biggest number on the bag. Corn needs a massive nitrogen boost at specific growth stages, especially during its rapid vegetative phase and when the ears are forming. A wrong pick can mean burnt stalks, leggy growth with poor ears, or simply money wasted on nitrogen that washes away before the roots can take it in.

Understand the N-P-K Ratio

You want the first number—the nitrogen content—to be high, typically 30 or more. Ratios like 46-0-0 (urea) or 21-0-0 (ammonium sulfate) mean every pound of product delivers a concentrated nitrogen punch with zero phosphorus or potassium. This lets you feed the crop exactly what it demands without upsetting your soil’s existing balance.

Quick-Release vs. Slow-Release Nitrogen

Pure urea (46-0-0) releases nitrogen almost immediately once it hits warm, moist soil. This is perfect for a mid-season side-dress when corn is growing fast and needs a rapid green-up. A slow-release source, like a sulfur-coated urea or a product like The Andersons 32-0-0, feeds the plant steadily over several weeks, reducing the risk of burning and the need for multiple applications.

Bag Size and Application Rate

Look at the coverage area on the bag. A 5-pound bag of 46-0-0 covers a much smaller area than an 18-pound bag of 32-0-0, because the concentration and recommended application rates differ. For a typical home garden with a few rows of corn, a smaller bag is better. For a large vegetable plot or food plot, a bigger, more economical bag pays off.

Quick Comparison

Model Best For N-P-K Analysis Weight Coverage Amazon
Easy Peasy Urea 46-0-0★ Best Overall Best Overall Green-Up 46-0-0 10 lb Full Amazon
CountryMax Urea 46-0-0Best Value Best Value for Large Areas 46-0-0 50 lb Full Amazon
The Andersons 32-0-0 Premium Slow Release 32-0-0 18 lb 6,000 sq. ft. Amazon
Dark Matter 21-0-0 Top Performer for Extra Deep Color 21-0-0 40 lb 12,000 sq. ft. Amazon
Supply Solutions Urea 46-0-0 Great for Corn & Straw Bales 46-0-0 5 lb Varies by use Amazon
Duda Energy Prilled Urea Compact & Highly Pure 46-0-0 Min. 5 lb N/A Amazon

In‑Depth Reviews

★ Best Overall

1. Easy Peasy Urea Fertilizer 46-0-0

Our pick — over 4.5★ from 2,500+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.

High-ConcentrationVersatile Use

The 46-0-0 that buyers report “makes sweet corn jump.”

This pick earns the top spot because its 46-0-0 analysis delivers the highest nitrogen concentration you can get in a granular fertilizer. The first number, 46, means 46% of the bag is pure nitrogen — so you get a fast-acting dose that corn plants access quickly during their rapid growth phase. You can use it on lawns, landscapes, and gardens, but corn responds fastest: the nitrogen fuels that deep green color and thick stalks.

Buyers consistently praise how fast it greens up plants. One buyer reports a result that speaks for itself: “It will make some sweet corn jump.” The granules dissolve fast, so you can broadcast them with a spreader or dissolve them for a spray application (a method to apply liquid fertilizer through a sprayer). Because it is so concentrated, you must follow the instructions — applying too much can burn foliage. The 46-0-0 ratio lets you target nitrogen feeding precisely without adding phosphorus or potassium you may not need.

If you want the fastest green-up on corn or lawn and are confident measuring your application rate, this is your bag. Look elsewhere if you need a slow-release feed that provides steady nitrogen over several weeks — the CountryMax 50-pounder or The Andersons 32-0-0 are better for that.

The Green-Up Power

  • Maximum 46% nitrogen for extremely fast results on corn and lawn.
  • Flexible application — works with spreaders or dissolves in water.
  • High owner satisfaction with effectiveness (65 mentions are positive).

Handle With Care

  • Very concentrated; over-application can damage plants if you are not precise.
  • Not a slow-release formula, so it may require multiple side-dressing passes.

Reach for this if: you want the fastest possible green-up on corn or lawn and are confident in measuring your application rate.

Look elsewhere if: you need a slow-release feed that provides steady nitrogen over several weeks.

Best Value

2. CountryMax Urea Fertilizer 46-0-0, 10LB Bag

50 Lb BagProfessional Grade

A 50-pound bag of 46-0-0 that cuts your per-pound cost compared to the Easy Peasy 10-pound bag.

While the product title mentions 10 lb, the actual item weight is 50 pounds — giving you five times the weight of the standard 5-pound bags in this list. That means a much lower per-pound cost for the same 46% nitrogen. For a large corn plot or food plot, this is the most economical way to buy concentrated urea.

Owners mention dramatic results in just three days. One owner notes the lawn “grew an inch” and turned “super green” that fast. For corn, that rapid action is exactly what you want for a mid-season boost. The granules are uniform and easy to spread, and the professional-grade formula dissolves well in water for liquid feeding. One experienced user points out this is a pure nitrogen source, so you must balance your own N-P-K — it’s not a beginner’s product, but ideal if you know your soil needs.

The downside is the bag weight: at 50 pounds, it requires storage space and muscle to move. If you have the room and the acreage, the value is undeniable. If you only need a small amount for a few corn stalks, the Supply Solutions 5-pound bag is a better fit.

Best for large jobs: the sheer volume and 46% concentration make this the most cost-effective way to apply heavy nitrogen across a big corn plot or lawn.

Reach for this if: you manage a large garden, food plot, or lawn and want the lowest per-pound cost for 46-0-0.

Think twice if: you only need a small amount for a few corn stalks or have limited storage.

Top Performer

3. The Andersons Professional Pure Nitrogen 32-0-0

Slow ReleaseSafe for Turf

A steady-feeding 32-0-0 that greens corn without the burn risk of a 46-0-0.

This is the pick for the careful grower who wants results without the worry. The Andersons 32-0-0 blends quick- and slow-release nitrogen — so corn gets an immediate green-up after application, and then a steady stream of nitrogen over the following weeks. That dual-action is ideal for a single application that feeds the crop through its vegetative and tasseling stages (the period when corn develops its tassel and ears). One 18-pound bag covers 6,000 square feet, which is a large vegetable plot or a substantial lawn area.

Customers note smooth, even coverage with no streaking or burn spots. One reviewer noted a “nice and dark green” result within two weeks. At 32% nitrogen, it is less concentrated than the Easy Peasy 46-0-0, so you apply more product for the same nitrogen dose. But the built-in safety of the slow-release component makes it a better choice for beginners or for feeding corn in hot weather when burn risk is highest.

Swap to a 46-0-0 like the Easy Peasy if you need maximum power for a specific mid-season side-dress and are comfortable with precise application. The Andersons is the set-and-forget pick for a large area where controlled growth matters more than a lightning-fast green-up.

The safer bet: the professional-grade slow-release technology makes this a low-maintenance feed. You get the deep green you want without the panic of a potential burn.

Ideal for: gardeners who want a low-maintenance, long-feeding nitrogen source for a large area and value controlled growth over a lightning-fast green-up.

Swap to a 46-0-0 if: you need maximum power for a specific mid-season side-dress and are comfortable with precise application.

Premium Pick

4. Dark Matter 21-0-0 Ammonium Sulfate

Ultra-Fine PrillDeep Greening

An ammonium sulfate 21-0-0 that reviewers point out delivers “the greenest lawn on the block.”

This pick uses ammonium sulfate (a different nitrogen source) at a 21-0-0 ratio instead of straight urea. The lower nitrogen percentage means you use more product per application, but the payoff is a form of nitrogen that owners consistently say produces a deeper, richer green color than standard urea. The bag weighs 40 pounds and covers up to 12,000 square feet — twice the coverage of The Andersons 32-0-0. The ultra-fine prill (small spherical pellet) is designed for smooth spreader application.

Shoppers say that it beats results from professional landscapers. For corn, the sulfur in ammonium sulfate can benefit sulfur-deficient soils by supporting protein synthesis in the grain (the process that builds protein content). One owner notes the fine prill size is “near impossible to find” at box stores and that this form dissolves faster and greens deeper than standard ammonium sulfate. The catch is the price — several buyers point out it is expensive. For a small area where you want show-stopping color, the cost per bag is justified by the result. For a large corn plot, a 46-0-0 bag like the Easy Peasy will be more cost-effective.

The Color Magic

  • Delivers exceptionally deep, dark green color — owners call it a “wow” factor.
  • Ultra-fine prill for smooth, burn-free broadcasting.
  • Includes sulfur, which is beneficial for corn protein production.

The Cost Reality

  • More expensive per pound than straight 46-0-0 options.
  • Lower nitrogen concentration means more product per application.

This is for you if: you want the absolute deepest green color possible and are willing to pay a premium for the specific benefits of ammonium sulfate.

skip it if: you are maximizing nitrogen per dollar for a large corn plot — a 46-0-0 bag will be more cost-effective.

Green-Up Pro

5. Supply Solutions Urea 46-0-0 Nitrogen Fertilizer

5 lb BagCorn & Garden

A 5-pound bag of 46-0-0 that buyers report turns a yellow lawn “rich green in 3 days.”

If you need a smaller bag of 46-0-0 for a corn patch or straw bale garden, this 5-pound bag from Supply Solutions fits the bill. The potency matches the larger bags — 46% nitrogen — so it delivers that explosive green-up. Owners mention fixing a yellow lawn and seeing it turn a “rich green in 3 days after fertilizing and watering.” That speed is exactly what matters for corn when you spot a nitrogen deficiency (yellowing lower leaves) during the rapid growth phase and need to correct it before ears form.

The bag provides clear coverage guidelines: 1/5 lb per 1,000 sq ft for turf, 3 cups per 100 sq ft for trees and shrubs, and 2.5 cups per 100 sq ft for vegetables and flowers — useful for precise side-dressing. One owner calls it a “must” for their corn needs. The main trade-off is the smaller bag: at 5 pounds, you will run out quickly on a large plot. Also, opinions on its value are mixed — some feel it is a little pricey for the amount of product you receive. For the home gardener with a modest corn patch, this is an ideal purchase: you get full 46-0-0 power without storing a heavy 50-pound bag like the CountryMax.

A fast-acting fix: the quick correction of yellowing foliage makes this a go-to rescue product for the mid-season nitrogen slump.

Grab this if: you have a small to medium garden and need a concentrated, easy-to-store 46-0-0 for rapid results on corn and lawns.

Consider a larger bag if: you have a big food plot or want the lowest per-pound cost.

Budget Champion

6. Duda Energy Prilled Urea 46-0-0

98.5% PurityPrilled Form

A commercial-grade 46-0-0 with 98.5% minimum purity in a compact 5-pound bag.

The Duda Energy urea stands out for its purity guarantee and specific prill form (small, spherical pellets). The 98.5% minimum purity means very few filler ingredients — you get nearly pure nitrogen. The prills dissolve quickly in water, making it easy to use in a sprayer for precise side-dressing of corn rows. Customers note “the urea helps plants grow bigger and stronger” and that it is “easy to sprinkle around plants in the garden.” You can just broadcast it (evenly spread it by hand or spreader) before a rain shower and let the water work it into the soil.

Owners note a “good price” and “fast shipping.” It works well for straw bale gardening, lawns, and sweet corn. The 5-pound bag is the smallest in this list by volume — fine for small gardens, but you will need several bags for a large plot. If you only need a small amount of high-quality urea for a home corn patch, this is a clean, straightforward pick. For a larger area, the CountryMax 50-pound bag gives you better value per pound.

Best for small precision jobs: the high-purity prill form dissolves cleanly and applies easily, making it great for spot-feeding rows of corn in a home garden.

Reach for this if: you need a small, manageable bag of pure 46-0-0 for a modest garden, or if you want to dissolve it for liquid application.

Look for a larger bag if: you are covering a large area and want to minimize the number of purchases.

Understanding the Specs

N-P-K Analysis (The 46-0-0 Number)

The three numbers on the bag stand for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). For corn, you focus on the first number — it tells you the percentage of nitrogen by weight. A 46-0-0 bag is 46% pure nitrogen with zero phosphorus and potassium. This is an extremely concentrated feed that gives you a lot of power in a small volume. A higher first number means less product is needed to deliver the same amount of actual nitrogen to the soil.

Quick-Release vs. Slow-Release

Quick-release nitrogen (pure urea or ammonium sulfate) is immediately available to the plant. This is perfect for a fast green-up when your corn is growing rapidly and needs a shot of energy. Slow-release nitrogen is coated or chemically treated to break down over weeks. This reduces the risk of burning the plant and means one application can feed the crop for a longer period. Some products blend both for an immediate response followed by sustained feeding.

FAQ

Can I use 46-0-0 fertilizer on sweet corn?
Yes. 46-0-0 is an excellent choice for sweet corn. Apply it as a side-dress when the corn is about 12 to 18 inches tall and again when it begins to tassel. Be careful not to over-apply, as the high nitrogen concentration can burn the roots if it contacts the stalk directly.
How much 46-0-0 should I use per corn plant or per row?
The exact rate depends on your soil conditions, but a general guideline is about 1 cup of 46-0-0 per 100 feet of row. Always water the fertilizer in thoroughly after application so the nitrogen moves down to the root zone. Use a broadcast spreader for large plantings or dissolve it in water for a liquid feed.
What is the difference between urea (46-0-0) and ammonium sulfate (21-0-0)?
Urea has a much higher nitrogen concentration (46% vs 21%). Ammonium sulfate also supplies sulfur, which can support protein content in corn grain. Urea is more cost-effective per unit of nitrogen, but ammonium sulfate may produce a deeper green color and is less prone to nitrogen loss through volatilization (evaporation) on dry soil surfaces.
Is 32-0-0 better than 46-0-0 for corn?
Not better, just different. 32-0-0 often contains a mix of quick- and slow-release nitrogen, making it safer for a single application and reducing the risk of burn. 46-0-0 delivers a faster, more concentrated nitrogen dose. For corn, a slow-release 32-0-0 is excellent for the first feeding, while 46-0-0 is ideal for a rapid mid-season side-dress.
Will high-nitrogen fertilizer burn my corn plants?
Yes, it can if applied too heavily or if the granules come into direct contact with the stalks or leaves. Always follow the bag’s application rate. It helps to apply before a rain shower or to water the area immediately after application to wash the nitrogen into the soil. Slow-release formulations like 32-0-0 are more forgiving.
When should I apply nitrogen fertilizer to corn?
Corn has two main nitrogen demand periods. The first is when the plant is 12-18 inches tall (the rapid vegetative growth phase). The second is just before or during tasseling, when the ears are forming. Splitting your nitrogen application between these two stages is often more efficient than applying it all at once.
Can I mix 46-0-0 with water and spray it on corn?
Absolutely. Urea dissolves readily in water. This allows for a foliar or root-drench application that can be very precise. Just do not make the solution too strong — a general guideline is 1 to 2 tablespoons per gallon of water. Spraying directly on hot leaves can cause burn, so apply in the cooler part of the day.
What does the phrase “makes sweet corn jump” mean in reviews?
It is a buyer’s way of saying the nitrogen fertilizer caused an extremely rapid and visible growth spurt. After applying a high-concentration nitrogen source like 46-0-0, the corn stalks can green up, grow taller, and look noticeably more vigorous in just a few days — especially if they were showing a nitrogen deficiency (yellowing lower leaves).
How long does a 5-pound bag of 46-0-0 last for a home corn patch?
It depends on the size of your patch. For a typical home garden with a single row of corn (about 25 feet), a 5-pound bag may last two to three side-dressing applications. For a larger plot of several rows, you will want a 10 or 50-pound bag to avoid running out mid-season.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

For most buyers, the high nitrogen fertilizer for corn winner is the Easy Peasy Urea 46-0-0 because it packs the highest nitrogen concentration (46-0-0) in a versatile, well-reviewed bag that delivers fast green-up on corn and lawns. If you need the most economical option for a large plot, grab the CountryMax 10LB Bag — it provides the same 46% nitrogen in a massive 50-pound bag at a low per-pound cost. And for a low-maintenance, slow-release feed that keeps your corn green for weeks, the The Andersons 32-0-0 is the one to reach for.

How We Picked

We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.

Sources & Methodology

Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.

As an Amazon Associate, Lawn Gear Lab earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.

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