Why Grow Sweet Corn From Seed?
In its own way, sweet corn is a striking plant, almost architectural in appearance. Always planted in numbers as its wind-pollinated, a group of sweet corn is quite a sight. However, its the wonderful taste of the cob we are after and Suttons plethora of sweet corn seed varieties for you to try.
‘Sundance’ is golden yellow and full of taste. How about something a bit unusual, white sweet corn cob ‘Maria white’. In recent years baby sweet corn has gained huge popularity, if it's a favourite of yours, try ‘Mini pop’.
How To Grow Sweet Corn From Seed
- Sow sweet corn in root trainers or pots, grown under glass or in propagators. Use a decent peat-free seed compost and make sure they are not exposed to any drafts or cold. Remember to label and date your sweet corn seeds
- Plant out in late May to early June and make sure you don’t get caught out with late cold winds or cold evenings, as this checks sweet corn growth and will annul a strong start
- Make sure plenty of organic matter or rotted manure goes into the soil before planting sweet corn. A good soil improver on heavy soils should also be applied. Corn plants don’t like being dry in the early stages of its growth so check the soil moisture content of the soil regularly
- Plant out Sweetcorn in or staggered in a row, two abreast. A sweetcorn will not form on a single plant and grouped together guarantees cross-pollination, which is achieved by air current. Sweet corn is shallow rooted so be gentle when hoeing around them.
- If you are growing on a windy site, then these plants may require staking. Bamboo canes will suffice, secured with garden twine.
How Long Does Sweet Corn Take To Grow From Seed?
Your sweet corn seeds should germinate within 10 to 12 days, and the corn on the cob ready to harvest within 14 to 16 weeks.
Harvesting Sweet Corn
When it comes to harvesting corn on the cob, look to when leaves around the cob turn brown. Twist sharply for a clean break. The quicker you eat your cob the fuller of flavour it will be as, so try and pick them as you need them.
For some fun how about making a mini sweet corn maze by planting them in a pattern. They will grow in a pot, plant three together and underplant with some colourful bedding like Petunias. For something a bit different why not barbeque sweet corn for a treat
For more help with cultivating sweetcorn, check out our two articles: 'Top tips for growing sweetcorn' and 'Best expert advice on growing sweetcorn', which is filled with advice from experienced gardeners
