![]() ![]() This silking corn is at the perfect stage to be pollinated. While it is possible for corn to be pollinated effectively when planted in a single row, planting several short rows in a block formation increases the likelihood of successful pollination. Pollination is essential, since each kernel develops only when a pollen grain lands on the silk attached to that kernel. PlantingĬorn is pollinated when wind currents carry the pollen from the tassel to the silk. Spread the fertilizer between the rows or on either side of a single row and lightly incorporate it into the soil. When sweet corn is 15 to 18” high, it may benefit from sidedressing with nitrogen fertilizer at a rate of approximately 2.5 lbs of a 10% nitrogen fertilizer (or the equivalent) per 100 feet of row. Fertilizers should be thoroughly incorporated into the soil before planting. Equivalent rates of other synthetic or organic fertilizers can be used instead of 10-10-10. Generally, corn needs the equivalent of about 25 lbs of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 1,000 square feet. Forms and instructions are available on our website, or you can call our Info Line at 1-877-EXT-GROW (1-87).Īged manure or compost incorporated the fall prior to planting will provide nutrients and increase water-holding capacity. UNH Cooperative Extension offers this service. Soil testing can be done through a number of private and public labs. Test soil before planting to determine the amount of lime and fertilizers needed. This corn planting will provide a steady harvest of sweet corn from late July through mid-October. The older corn on the right is almost ready to pick, and the corn on the left will be ready in about 2½ months. In this photo, each group of four rows was planted 7-10 days apart. ![]() ![]() To get a continuous supply of corn throughout the summer, plant a small amount of the same variety every 7-10 days or simultaneously plant varieties with different dates to maturity. For transplant, 1-2 seeds should be sown in cells that are large enough so that it does not become rootbound, and plants should be transplanted outdoors within 10-14 days of seeding. It is possible to transplant corn successfully. Sweet corn that has germinated can withstand light frosts because the growing point is protected by the outer leaves, but it is important for the soil to be warm enough to allow germination. Soil temperature must be at least 50☏ for germination and growth, but 60-85☏ is ideal. Growing Conditionsįor maximum growth and yield, sweet corn should receive full sun. It is not necessary to isolate sugary (su) or sugary-enhanced (se) varieties from one another. Cross-pollination can be prevented by distance and/or windbreaks, or by planting varieties of very different maturity dates so that they do not bloom at the same time. If super-sweet varieties cross-pollinate other types of corn, the quality of both is reduced. Sugary-enhanced varieties (se or se+) varieties accumulate more sugar than the (su) varieties, and super-sweet (sh2) varieties are the sweetest of all, with the sugars converting to starches much more slowly than with other types. The traditional (su) sweet corn varieties become starchy relatively quickly after harvest (hence the traditional recommendation to get the pot of water boiling before you harvest the corn!). After harvest, the sugar converts into starches, and the kernels become tougher and less sweet. Sweet corn kernels are sweeter than field corn varieties because of a mutation at the sugary locus (su). Bicolor varieties are most popular in New England, but the quality of all of these are excellent and depend on the specific variety, the growing and handling conditions, and on personal preference. Sweet corn ears may have all yellow, all white, or bicolor (a mixture of yellow and white) kernels. The average yield for a home garden is about one-two ears per plant. Among market gardeners throughout New England, about half of the vegetable acreage is devoted to sweet corn. Sweet corn is a popular vegetable and is relatively easy to grow.
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