Growing (Organic) Corn Seeds
Improved Corn (Zea mays) is a classic sweet corn variety with improved features. Here’s a guide on how to grow these organic, non-GMO, open-pollinated corn seeds:
Planting:
- Soil Preparation: Choose a well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure to ensure good fertility.
- Planting Time: Plant the corn seeds after the last frost date when the soil has warmed up. Improved Corn thrives in warm soil conditions.
- Seed Spacing: Plant the seeds in rows with a spacing of about 8-12 inches between each seed. Ensure that the rows are spaced at least 30 inches apart to allow for proper growth.
- Planting Depth: Plant the seeds 1 to 1.5 inches deep in the soil. Cover them with soil and water the area well.
Caring for the Corn:
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the critical stages of pollination and ear development. Corn plants generally require 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.
- Fertilization: Side-dress the corn plants with a balanced fertilizer when they reach a height of about 12 inches. Repeat the process when the plants are about knee-high.
- Weeding: Keep the area around the corn plants free from weeds, as they can compete for nutrients and water.
- Hilling: Mound soil around the base of the corn plants when they reach a height of 12 inches. This provides additional support and stability to the growing plants.
Harvesting:
- Timing: Corn typically matures in 75-82 days. Harvest the ears when the silks have dried, and the kernels are plump and milky. Check for readiness by peeling back the husk and piercing a kernel with your fingernail; if a milky liquid squirts out, the corn is ready.
- Harvesting Technique: Grasp the ear and twist it downward to detach it from the stalk. Harvesting in the morning when the sugars are at their peak can result in the sweetest flavor.
- Storage: For the best flavor, consume the corn as soon as possible after harvesting. If not consuming immediately, refrigerate the ears to preserve sweetness.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the delicious and improved qualities of the Corn in your garden.
The Organic Corn is an enhanced version of the original 8-row variety, offering improved characteristics for home gardeners.
Original Characteristics:
– Ear Size: The original 8-row has 5-7″ ears with 10-14 rows.
– Kernel Arrangement: It typically has 8 rows of kernels on each ear.
Improved Characteristics:
– Ear Length: The improved variety boasts longer ears, allowing for a more substantial harvest.
– Kernel Spacing: Kernels are more evenly spaced on the ears, providing a uniform and appealing arrangement.
– Tenderness: Improved to stay tender for a more extended period, ensuring a longer window for harvest without sacrificing quality.
– Tolerance: Exhibits tolerance to tight spacing, making it suitable for intensive planting, and can withstand dry conditions.
Versatility in Usage:
– Freezing Capability: The improved variety offers the convenience of freezing right on the stalk, preserving the freshness of the corn.
– Cream Corn Production: Ideal for making cream corn, adding versatility to your culinary options.
Cultivation Considerations:
– Tight Spacing Tolerance: Well-suited for planting in close quarters without compromising performance.
– Drought Resistance: Exhibits a level of tolerance to dry conditions, contributing to its adaptability.
By choosing the Organic Corn, gardeners can enjoy the classic appeal with added making it a valuable addition to home gardens. Whether enjoyed fresh, frozen, or used in various culinary applications, this improved variety enhances the overall corn-growing experience.
The Organic Corn (Zea mays) is a sweet corn variety known for its sugary flavor and improved characteristics. Here are the key details for growing this organic, open-pollinated corn
There are no reviews yet.