Sweet corn, which are known botanically as Zea Mays, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing sweet corn as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.
Best Time to Plant Sweet Corn
This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the sweet corn seeds after the last danger of frost in spring. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.
To check when sweet corn are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for ‘plant hardiness zone + [city]’.
How to Plant Sweet Corn the Right Way
There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing sweet corn in your home garden.
Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your sweet corn grow. Generally, your soil should be well drained and fertile. Soil PH levels should be around 5.8 to 7.0.
2″ apart in rows 12″ apart. 20″ apart in short rows. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about 1-1.5″. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.
Begin thinning your sweet corn seedlings 2 plants every 20″ when seedlings are 3″ tall.
How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Sweet Corn
The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your sweet corn. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.
Ideally, your sweet corn should be getting full sun, which means as much sunlight as you can possibly give it, or at least 6 hours or more.
How Much to Water Sweet Corn
As you’ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your sweet corn do, and the amount of water is no different.
Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your sweet corn begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you’re giving it.
Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it’s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.
How Long Does it Take Sweet Corn to Germinate and Grow?
Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your sweet corn grow.
It takes approximately 7-14 days to germinate, and a total of 65 days from seed to harvest.
When to Harvest Sweet Corn
The best time to harvest your sweet corn is when the silks turn brown and kernels spurt milky white juice when punctured.
Sweet corn can grow up to about 1025 centimeters (410 inches) in length.
What Can Sweet Corn Be Used For?
Food Use: eat it right off cob or freezing
Flavor Profile: sweet, rich corn flavor.
Can Sweet Corn Grow in Pots and Containers?
No, it is generally not advised to grow sweet corn in pots or containers.
Are Sweet Corn Safe for Bees?
Yes, sweet corn are safe for bees.
According to GreenPeace.org, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world’s nutrition.
Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing sweet corn is bee-friendly.
