Sweet corn is neither a fruit nor a vegetable, but a sweet grass. The delicious corn cobs taste sweet when freshly harvested - reason enough to grow a few plants in the garden or on the balcony.
How do you plant sweet corn correctly?
To plant sweet corn, choose a sunny, wind-protected location with nutrient-rich soil. Sowing takes place directly outdoors from May. Plant the corn in blocks 20-30 cm apart in rows and 50-60 cm between rows. Harvesting occurs when the “hairs” on the flower tip are brown.
How to plant sweet corn?
Corn is planted in blocks. This means that at least three rows must be drawn. This means the plants have more support and pollination by the wind runs smoothly.
As soon as the plants are half a meter high, they are piled up. Then they won't tip over so quickly in the wind.
Which location do the plants prefer?
Sweet corn thrives best in a sunny spot that is as sheltered from the wind as possible.
What does the soil have to be like?
A nutritious soil promises the best harvest success. Work in mature compost before planting.
How are sowing and planting carried out?
Sweet corn can be sown directly outdoors from May. Pre-grown plants can be planted outdoors as soon as there is no longer any fear of frost.
At what distance should sweet corn be planted?
The ideal planting distance in the row is 20 to 30 centimeters, depending on the variety, and there should be a distance of 50 to 60 centimeters between the rows.
Does sweet corn have to be preferred?
Advancing is not absolutely necessary. However, if you want to harvest sweet corn early, you should prefer seeds (€1.00 on Amazon) in a pot or seed tray from March onwards.
How is sweet corn propagated?
Propagation occurs via mature grains. However, most varieties of sweet corn on offer do not produce germinable seeds.
When is the best time to plant?
Sweet corn comes from a warm climate and does not tolerate frost. Planting may therefore not take place before the end of May.
When is harvesting?
Sweet corn is ready to harvest from the end of July to mid-August. An indicator of the right time is the brown color of the “hairs” that have formed on the flower tip.
Is sweet corn suitable as a mixed crop?
Corn goes well with most vegetables.
Good neighbors:
- Beans
- Pumpkin
- Cucumbers
- Salad
- Potatoes
Bad neighbors:
Tips & Tricks
Sweet corn is harvested when it is milk-ripe, which means it is not yet fully ripe. The right time has come when a milky liquid comes out when you press on the corn kernel.