Old Fashioned Sweet Corn - Key Growing Information

Several ears of freshly shucked and unshucked, old-fashioned sweet corn.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Zea mays

CULTURE:

Corn varieties which reproduce true to type from seeds year after year are referred to as "open-pollinated (OP)" or "standard." These varieties do not have the uniformity or tenderness of today's hybrids. While many people enjoy their old-fashioned chewiness and taste, we suggest using OP's on a small scale if you're unfamiliar with them. Sow 3/4-1" deep, 6-7" apart (or 2 seeds every 9", thinning to 1 plant), rows 30-36" apart. Increase this rate for untreated seeds. Arrange in blocks of at least 4 rows for proper pollination, which is needed for well-filled ears. Successive plantings can be made through early summer; most growers prefer to extend the sweet corn season by planting a few varieties of different maturities.

INSECT PESTS:

Consult your local Extension office for Integrated Pest Management information. Reduce insect pests in the next corn crop by prompt plowing-in or removal and composting of cornstalks after harvest.

HARVEST:

When kernels are full and "milky," generally indicated by a drying and browning of the ear silks. Record the date on which about half the plants show silk. Corn is ready to eat 18-24 days after ear silks first show; the warmer the weather, the sooner you can pick it.

DAYS TO MATURITY:

Varies widely with weather conditions and planting dates. Use these figures to compare one variety to another, not to accurately predict maturity on a given day.

AVG. SEEDING RATE:

1M/500', 5M/2,500', 25M/12,500', 30M/acre at 2 seeds/ft. in rows 36" apart.

SEEDS/LB.:

Avg. 2,100.

PACKET:

150 seeds, sows 75' at 2 seeds/ft.