Silver Queen Corn Planting

Planting

• Silver queen corn is of the white corn variety and is considered to be among the best tasting corn. It also takes around 95 days to mature. Corn requires a lot of space, so prepare to plant at least three rows of silver queen corn. Make the rows about 4 feet long. Space the rows about 3 feet apart. This is what is needed for adequate pollination of the corn. The tassels at the tops of the cornstalks pollinate the corn, which is why a single cornstalk cannot grow corn. Plant the corn seeds in an area that receives full sun and has rich soil. Plant the seeds about ½ to 1 inch deep. Space them anywhere from 4 to 6 inches apart. To ensure the best use of limited garden space, plant two seeds close together, then thin out the plants at a later date. After planting, water the seeds well. Corn needs to be watered deeply on a regular basis. If there is no rain, water again in two to four days. Fertilize the plants every two to three weeks. Keep the garden free from weeds, especially during the early days of plant life. Use mulch to help keep weeds to a minimum.

Insects

• Corn is susceptible to corn earworms and silkworms. The Gardeners Network recommends using Sevin dust to protect the corn against these pests. Apply the dust directly onto the silk or dust it into the air around the corn. Earworms can also be controlled by using mineral oil. Just apply the oil to the silk once pollination has taken place. The earworms are suffocated by the oil.

Fungus

• Once the corn begins to form ears, a blackish-purple-colored, bulbish fungus might appear. Remove the entire corn stalk and destroy it, as the fungus will transfer from stalk to stalk. Do not put it in the compost pile, as it will make its home there and find its way to other crops.

Harvest

• For the best taste, pick the corn just before cooking it to eat. Look for ears that have silk that has dried and turned a dark brown. Pull the ear down and twist it at the same time with one hand. Hold the stalk with your other hand. If the plan is to store the corn to eat later, harvest it in the morning while it is at its peak sweetness.