Those who grow the annual sweet corn, which originally comes from Mexico, are usually keen on the seeds, which come together in long, thick cobs. Whether fresh or dried – they can be used in many ways in the kitchen. What characteristics do they have and how are they sown?
What do sweet corn seeds look like and when do you sow them?
Sweet corn seeds are 6-12 mm large, dark germinators and require warmth. They are available in many colors and should be sown early between April and May or directly after the Ice Saints. The ideal planting distance is 20-40 cm within the row and 40-60 cm between the rows.
Seed characteristics
Sweet corn seeds have the following properties:
- Ripening period: August to September
- in flasks standing close together
- Dark Germ
- requires warmth (ideal germination temperature: 15 to 20 °C)
- 6 to 12 mm in size
- Thousand grain weight: 250 to 400 g
- available in many colors: yellow, white-yellow, orange, red, pink, violet, bluish, greenish, black
- contained sugar turns into starch after harvest
Sowing the seeds at the right time
You can grow the sweet corn seeds in a bright place at home. This has the advantage that they germinate faster and more safely. The best period for moving forward is between April and May.
Direct sowing should be started from mid-May (after the Ice Saints). Before sowing, let the seeds soak in warm water at 20 °C for 8 to 10 hours!
Planting and row spacing and the perfect sowing depth
5 to 7 seeds (or double the amount if the weaker plants are selected later) can be planted per running meter. They are sown with the tip down in the prepared soil. The sowing depth is 3 to 4 cm (also 5 cm in sandy soils).
It is recommended to sow at least one double row for later good fertilization. A distance between 20 and 40 cm should be maintained in rows and between 40 and 60 cm between rows.
In which soil do seeds germinate well?
The soil should be kept moist, but not prone to waterlogging. A minimum floor temperature of 10 °C is important. Otherwise the seeds will not germinate. A nutrient-rich, deep, permeable and neutral substrate is best suited for a successful harvest.
Tip
When growing sweet corn, it is best to rely on seed-resistant varieties instead of hybrid varieties! The seed-resistant varieties include, for example, 'Golden Bantam' and 'Damaun'.