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How to Grow Anasazi Sweet Corn

Sweet corn is a popular choice for backyard home gardeners, according to Purdue University. The vegetable can be cultivated in any sunny location with deep, rich soil, as long as there is enough room for the corn to grow. "Anasazi" is a variety of sweet corn desirable for its high nutritious value and sweet taste. Discovered in the Anasazi Indian caves of New Mexico, the corn matures in 90 days and features multiple colors on each ear.

Things You'll Need

  • Tiller
  • Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or equivalent)
  • Watering tools
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start Anasazi sweet corn in the spring, when the soil has warmed to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait two weeks until after the last hard freeze. Any colder and the seeds will not germinate, according to Colorado State University. Instead, they will simply rot.

    • 2

      Till the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Work in 3 to 4 pounds of a balanced (10-10-10 or equivalent) fertilizer as you till the soil.

    • 3

      Plant the seeds at least one, but not more than 2 inches deep. The lighter and sandier the soil, the deeper the seeds should be planted, according to Purdue University. Late-harvested cultivars such as Anasazi should be planted with the seeds between 9 and 12 inches apart, in rows that are spaced between 2 and 3 feet apart.

    • 4

      Water enough so that the soil remains moist, but not waterlogged. Anasazi sweet corn will not properly develop tassels, silk and ears if the soil is not moist enough, according to Colorado State University. For that reason, sweet corn should receive about 1 1/2 inches of water per week. Supplemental irrigation should be used during periods of hot, dry weather.

    • 5

      Harvest the ears of corn about three weeks or so after the silks present. The kernels should be firm but juicy. Grasp the ears firmly and twist towards the ground. Cook or freeze right away to preserve the sweet flavor.