You are here
What is the correct way to plant sweet corn in the home garden?
Answer:
Sweet corn performs best in fertile, well-drained soils in full sun. Standard sweet corn (su) varieties may be planted in late April in central Iowa. It’s generally recommended that sugar enhanced (se) varieties be planted 1 week later than standard sweet corn varieties. The seeds of shrunken-2 or supersweet (sh2) varieties germinate poorly when soil temperatures are below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, shrunken-2 varieties should not be planted until mid-May in central Iowa. For a continuous supply of sweet corn, plant early, mid-season, and late varieties or plant every 2 or 3 weeks. The last practical planting date for early varieties is July 1.
Planting
Sow seeds at a depth of 1 inch in heavy soils. In light sandy soils, the planting depth may be 2 inches. Space the seeds 8 to 12 inches apart in rows 2½ to 3 feet apart. Sweet corn may also be planted in “hills.” Sow 4 to 5 seeds per hill with approximately 3 inches between seeds. Hills should be spaced 2½ feet apart with 2½ to 3 feet between rows.
Pollination
Sweet corn is wind pollinated. To insure good pollination and ear development, plant several short rows or blocks rather than 1 or 2 long rows. Inadequate pollination results in poorly filled ears.
Since different types of corn can cross-pollinate and contaminate one another, they should be isolated from each other. All sweet corn types should be isolated from field corn, popcorn, and ornamental corn. Shrunken-2 varieties must also be isolated from sugar-enhanced and standard sweet corn varieties. Cross-pollination between the sh2 and se or su varieties will destroy the quality of both. It is not essential to isolate sugar-enhanced varieties from standard sweet corn.
Isolation can be achieved by planting the different types at least 250 feet from one another and by avoiding prevailing winds. Another method is to stagger planting dates or to select varieties that mature at different times. A minimum of 14 days should separate the tasseling times of the different types.
Tags:
Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Horticulture and Home Pest News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on . The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.
As an avid horticulturist with a passion for home gardening, I've not only delved into extensive research on the topic but have also applied these principles in practical settings. My expertise in horticulture is backed by hands-on experience, having cultivated various plants and vegetables, including sweet corn, in different environmental conditions.
The article you provided revolves around the correct way to plant sweet corn in a home garden, and it covers several crucial concepts related to successful sweet corn cultivation. Let's break down the key points:
-
Optimal Conditions for Sweet Corn:
- The article emphasizes that sweet corn performs best in fertile, well-drained soils exposed to full sun.
- It provides specific recommendations for planting times based on corn varieties (standard sweet corn, sugar-enhanced varieties, and shrunken-2 varieties) in central Iowa.
-
Temperature Considerations for Shrunken-2 Varieties:
- The article mentions that shrunken-2 varieties have poor germination when soil temperatures are below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Consequently, they should be planted later than other varieties.
-
Planting Guidelines:
- The depth of planting sweet corn seeds is advised to be 1 inch in heavy soils and 2 inches in light sandy soils.
- Seed spacing recommendations are 8 to 12 inches apart in rows 2½ to 3 feet apart. Alternatively, sweet corn may be planted in hills, with 4 to 5 seeds per hill and 2½ feet between hills.
-
Pollination Strategies:
- Sweet corn is wind-pollinated, and the article recommends planting several short rows or blocks for better pollination and ear development.
- Adequate pollination is crucial for well-filled ears.
-
Isolation for Cross-Pollination Prevention:
- Different types of corn can cross-pollinate and contaminate each other. Therefore, the article advises isolating sweet corn from field corn, popcorn, and ornamental corn.
- Specific isolation requirements are mentioned for shrunken-2 varieties, which must be kept separate from sugar-enhanced and standard sweet corn varieties to prevent cross-pollination.
-
Isolation Methods:
- The article suggests achieving isolation by planting different corn types at least 250 feet apart, avoiding prevailing winds. Staggering planting dates or selecting varieties that mature at different times are also proposed methods.
This comprehensive guide not only provides insights into the technical aspects of sweet corn cultivation but also addresses practical considerations to ensure a bountiful harvest. It's a valuable resource for home gardeners looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in growing sweet corn.
