Corn, Sweet (Zea mays var. rugosa)
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Sowing:
Seed Depth: Germination Soil Temp: Days to Germinate Date to sow Indoors: Date to sow Outdoors: |
1 inch 80 Degrees 4 Not recommended 1 week after frost |
Growing:
pH Range: Growing Temp: Spacing: Watering: Light: Nutrient Req's: Rotation: Seed Longevity: |
6.0 - 7.0 65 - 75 Degrees 8 inches Moderate Full Sun High N, P and K After nitrogen fixing crop i.e. legumes 1 - 2 years |
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Description
Soil Fertilizer Planting Cultivation Care Companions Varieties Harvest Health Benefits |
Nothing tastes better than homegrown sweet corn. Corn needs full sun and plenty of room. Most varieties produce one ear per plant and need several rows (at least 4) for optimal pollination of full ears.
Corn will benefit if soil contains organic matter. Corn benefits from extra fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 at a rate of 1 1/2 pounds per 100 square foot. Sidedress with 10-10-10 again when plants are about 1 1/2 foot tall. Sow 1/2 inch deep as the ground temperature warms. Cover with soil and water. Planting two different varieties of corn will result in cross-pollination or speckled ears. Control weeds by hoeing gently. Corn will eventually shade out weeds as it grows tall. Keep plants watered as they tassel and make silk. Keep plants from wilting as silks turn brown and corn kernels develop. If you have wind problems you can run string lines across two poles to support the stalks. Watch for pests including corn ear worm, smut and rust. Sunflowers, legumes, cucurbits, potato, parsley, beets, carrots and dill. Golden Cross Bantam, Honey and Cream, Jubilee, Peaches and Cream, Pearl White, Silver Queen and Sundance. Harvest before ears are mature for optimal sweetness and texture. Ripe ears silk are brown at the tips and green closer to the ear. Feel the ear to check if the kernels have developed. Sweet corn is best harvested and cooked fresh. After ears are picked the sugar in the corn quickly turns to starch. Provides a source of folic acid, magnesium, phosphorous, and vitamins B1, B5, C and E > Back to the Vegetable Page |
Source: UT Extension, PB1578 - Tennessee Master Gardener Handbook
