Sweetcorn

Sweetcorn is a hybridized variety of maize.

We have four rows of sweetcorn growing. When I planted the corn May 19 2006 I read on the packet that it should be planted in groups of at least four rows so that it pollinates successfully. Our rows are about 20 corn long. The variety of corn we are growing just says "Hybrid Sweet Corn" on the packet.

What it looks like

Varieties

There are many varieties of corn, such as 'Peaches and Cream', Everlasting Heritage, Golden Queen, Sunglow and many others, and there are a large variety of colours. There are multi coloured, blue, red, white, purple, yellow and white and golden yellows though the blues and reds tend to be the ornamental variety.

Height

Depending on the variety corn can grow over 6 feet high.

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Corn leaves

These photos were taken on July 22 2006

Corn flower

Corn cob (or ear) forming

Corn cob almost ready

Corn cobs can be anywhere from 6 inches to about 9 inches long.

When ready

Corn is ready for harvest when the ear is full size for the variety, has a tight husk, and has somewhat dried silks. The kernels are fully developed and exude a milky liquid when punctured. They should be picked in the eary morning or at night. Corn is best when taken straight from the plant and cooked immediately in boiling water (this retains the natural sugar and sweetness).

How to grow

Grow in rows of at least four to aid pollination. Give them space. Plant about one inch deep. They like moist soil so in hot climates (like here in Grand Forks) irrigate reguarly to keep the soil moist. However corn is a tough plant and grows in many soil types.

I planted three corn in each section about 8 inches apart and I notice I should have thinned them to two in each section, but I didn't do so. I hope it doesn't affect the corn cobs too adversely. The rows were planted about 2 feet apart.

Our corn in rows taken July 22 2006:

Where found

Corn is native to the North and South America

Deer and racoons love corn so protect it from them! We have a fence around our vegeatable garden to prevent the deer from getting in.