Corn Growing Guide

Zea mays convar. saccharata

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Warm, well-drained soil enriched with composted manure or other rich compost.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

No.

Feeding

Needs more nitrogen than other vegetables. Mix an organic fertilizer into the soil before planting, following label application rates. When tassels form, feed plants second time.

Spacing

Single Plants: 1' 1" (35cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11" (30cm) with 1' 5" (45cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Wait until the soil is warm to sow sweet corn. Soak seeds in water overnight before planting them 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Thin to 12 inches apart when the plants are 6 inches tall.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Plant in blocks of at least 15 plants, all the same variety, to insure good wind pollination. Keep well watered in dry spells.

Harvesting

Sweet corn is ready when the ears feel firm and full when grasped, and a test kernel pierced with a fingernail released milky juice. Harvest in the morning, and promptly refrigerate ears to help them hold their delicate sugars.