When to Grow Sweet Corn

History of Sweet Corn Planting

• Corn planting dates back more than a hundred years during the time when Native Americans first discovered corn not just for food, but also for many other different uses. However, sweet corn was not the preferred corn variety until the arrival of the Europeans. The real breakthrough in sweet corn propagation became evident when breeders developed the Xtra Sweet hybrids in 1960s and by the introduction of the Everlasting Heritage lines. Since then, different varieties and breeds of sweet corn became available. Breeders try to find ways to improve the quality of home-grown sweet corn.

Varieties and Types of Sweet Corn

• Sweet corn has three kernel color varieties: yellow, white and bi-color (cross-over between yellow and white). It also comes in three types: normal sweet, the sugary enhanced and the supersweet type. Cross-pollination between normal sugary and supersweet varieties can happen in the same field resulting in reduced quality for each type. Seasoned gardeners can prevent this from happening by making sure that the seeds have varying maturity dates so that they will not blossom at the same time.

When to Plant Sweet Corn

• For best results, plant sweet corn between spring and early summer. Sow seeds in warm, fertile and well cultivated soil. For best results, plant sweet corn when the temperature of the soil is at 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit because the seeds rot easily when the soil is cold and wet, says the University of Georgia. Plenty of nitrogen helps in propagating the seeds. Expert gardeners give at least two weeks to sow the early sweet corn varieties prior to the main season sweet corn varieties to allow longer harvesting season. Sweet corn harvesting usually coincides with apple harvesting.

How to Plant Sweet Corn

• You would need fresh 1-inch layer of grass clippings, compost or manure, alfalfa meal, soybean meal or organic fertilizer with high nitrogen content. Mix these components completely and provide ample space of at least 24 inches between blocks of sown seeds.

Pest Control Management

• Aside from humans, pests like the sweetness of sweet corn. Corn earworms usually attack sweet corn kernels. Gardeners spray vegetable oil on the tips of the corn to limit the infestation. Fungal diseases or corn smut usually attack sweet corns. They distort and damage the physical state of the kernels. Removing infected ears can prevent further damage. Aside from pest infestation, rodents and raccoons attack sweet corns. Protect the nearly ripe ears by taping them to stalk using packing tape.