How to Grow Sweet Corn in Texas

Find a planting area that is well-drained, exposed to 8 hours of sun each day and large enough for growing corn. Space corn 8 to 12 inches apart in short rows 30 inches apart. Expect two fully formed ears from each plant. Rows can be as short as 10 plants. Corn planted in a single long row will suffer from incomplete pollination. If possible, find a place to plant the corn that is protected from the strong spring storms common in Texas. Corn is easily blown over and damaged by high winds.

Take a soil test to find out what amendments need to be added to the soil in your chosen planting bed for optimal corn health. The best way to take a soil test is by sending a sample to Texas A&M University after filling out the soil testing request form available online. Conduct your soil test as early as possible so there is time to purchase the amendments and prepare the planting area before planting time.

Remove all weeds and other vegetation from the planting area. Till the soil to a depth of 6 inches and remove all rocks and debris. Corn is a shallow-rooted plant, so loosening the soil helps the corn establish a better root system.

Spread the recommended soil amendments along with a 1- to 2-inch layer of compost over the planting bed. Use the tiller to work the amendments and compost into the top 3 to 4 inches of loosened soil.

Plant the corn when daytime and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit but before the most intense heat of the summer begins. For optimal planting dates and recommended sweet corn varieties, consult your local county agricultural extension office, because the planting dates and recommended varieties are different in different parts of Texas. Plant three seeds 1 to 2 inches deep in the prepared soil at the recommended distance of 8 to 12 inches apart in short rows 30 inches apart.

Water the seed bed and the soil around the growing plants every day if necessary to keep the soil from drying out. The soil around the corn plants should be moist, but not wet, during the entire growing cycle.

Thin the seeds by removing all but the strongest plant from each planting hole if more than one seed germinates.

Harvest the corn in 60 to 90 days, depending on the variety, when the ears feel full when gently squeezed and the tassels turn brown just above the husk.