How to Grow Miniature Corn

Miniature corn, sometimes called baby corn, is the tender young ears of a standard sweet corn plant. These miniature corn ears measure only 1 to 2 inches in length. Since the corn and cob are immature, the entire ear is tender and edible. Miniature corn is a staple in Chinese and Asian dishes, but it also makes a good addition to steamed vegetable medleys or salads. Since these small corn cobs come from standard corn varieties, care of the plants is similar but the plants grown for baby corn require less space.

Compost
Tiller, spade or hoe
Knife

Instructions

- 1
  Spread 4 to 5 inches of compost over a garden bed that receives full sun. Work the compost into the top 8 inches of soil using a tiller, spade or hoe.
- 2
  Sow the seed corn after all danger of frost is passed in spring. Plant the seeds two inches apart for miniature corn, and not at the spacing recommended on the seed packet. Space the rows 30 inches apart.
- 3
  Water the bed as necessary so it remains evenly moist, both before and after the corn germinates. Corn typically requires 1 to 2 inches of water a week from rain or irrigation.
- 4
  Apply 1 lb. of 21-0-0 fertilizer to each 100-foot row once the plants are 6 inches tall. Spread the fertilizer on the soil surface six inches from the base of the cornstalks and water thoroughly after application. Fertilize a second time when the plants are 2 feet tall.
- 5
  Harvest baby corn one to three days after the corn silks become visible at the top of the developing ear husk and once the ears are 1 to 2 inches long. Cut the entire ear off the plant with a sharp knife. Harvest daily once the first ears are ready, as not all miniature corn ears develop at the same time.

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