Sweet Corn

April

Sweetcorn needs warm conditions, so sow indoors at 18–21°C (65–70°F) from mid-April to early May. Sow the large seeds in modules or deep pots at a depth of 2.5cm

 

Sow sweet corn seeds indoors from April, ideally in individual coir pots or recycled toilet roll inners to minimise root disturbance when it's time to plant out. Alternatively, wait until May and sow sweetcorn seeds directly outside once all risk of frost has passed.

 

According to the University of Missouri Extension's publication 6201, sweet corn can be planted anytime from the last week in April to the first of August. Corn is actually a member of the grass family and is best planted after the soil temperature reaches 60 degrees

 

Rows should be spaced 2½ - 3 feet apart. Plants should be spaced 8-10 inches apart between plants. For early plantings, seeds should be no deeper than 1 inch. For later plantings, plant seeds 1-2 inches deep to ensure adequate moisture contact

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

45cm

Sow outdoors

As sweetcorn is wind pollinated, plants should be grown in blocks rather than rows, 45cm (18in) apart. Sow two or three seeds at each point, then thin out the extra seedlings to leave just the strongest one.

 

When to harvest sweetcorn

When the silky tassels on each cob have turned brown the corn is usually ready, however, it is best to check by peeling away the sheaf and pinching a kernel, id the juice inside is milky then the cob is ready to harvest, if it is clear, it is better to wait a little longer, if there is no liquid then you may have left it too late.

If at all possible, eat or cook immediately after harvesting, the natural sugars inside the kernels start to break down immediately after the cob has been twisted or cut away from the plant and so freshness is of the essence!