Sweetcorn

Thursday, March 20 2003 @ 01:59 AM

Contributed by: Admin

SWEET CORN Zea mays Sweet corn. These days, Sweetcorn effectively comes in two predominant types- 'normal', and 'supersweet'. As time goes by, the 'normal' type will probably disappear. In 'normal' sweetcorn the sugars change to starch rapidly after picking- with a consequent drop-off of sweetness. 'Supersweet' types are sweeter anyway (about twice as sweet), and they can retain the sweetness for days.

The down side of these varieties is that pollen from a 'normal' variety will cause the 'supersweet' to have tough, starchy, kernels. And the reverse is also true. However, 'supersweets' are now so predominant that this effect is pretty rare. Just hope your neighbour doesn't try growing popcorn, or Indian maize...'Supersweet' sweetcorn seed is smaller and very shriveled- it must absorb twice the amount of water that 'normal' corn needs to germinate. Some varieties, such as 'Honey 'n Pearl', have erratic and unreliable germination if the soil temperature is below 18°C/65°F. Corn is a warm weather crop anyway, and all types should be planted into a genuinely warm soil, usually late spring. Work in a general purpose fertiliser about a week or so prior to planting, as corn has a high fertility requirement. Plenty of available phosphates in the soil is particularly important. A light side dressing with a nitrogen rich fertiliser once the plants are well away is useful, particularly on sandy soils. If the weather is dry, your sweetcorn plants will need a good deep soaking at least once a week. Mulching once the soil is warm is very useful in conserving soil moisture.



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