Next stage is the V1 stage in which the first true leaf with a rounded tip appears. All subsequent corn leaves have pointed tips. When the first rounded tip leaf has a fully formed collar, stage V1 has been reached. The collar is a yellowish band that extends across the leaf at its base. V2 corn would exhibit two visible collars.
Successive leaves appear on opposite sides of the stalk.
The V3 stage occurs when the third leaf from the base of the plant has a fully formed collar. At this time, the growing point is still below ground. Very little stem elongation has occurred at the V3 stage. The corn seedling is approximately 6-7 inches tall. Destructive hail, wind or frost which damages the exposed leaves at V3 will have little or no effect on the below-ground growing point or final yield.