ProverbWisdomAmerican origin1884

Knee-high by the Fourth of July

Meaning: Corn must reach substantial height by mid-summer to mature fully before autumn frost arrives.

Origin: A traditional rule of thumb among American corn farmers: if the crop is knee-high by Independence Day, it is on track for a good harvest. Its age is disputed; an Iowa newspaper is said to have used it in 1884. Modern hybrid varieties usually leave corn far taller than that by July.

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