Sweetcorn
Zea mays 'Harlequin sweetcorn'
Also known as
Corn, Maize
Photo by CandideUK (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Moderate watering
Tender
11b
USDA zone
7°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
3.5m | Max | 1m |
2m | Min | 40cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
Sweetcorn Overview
This is a robust, upright, annual grass which grows about 3.5m tall, and has arching, lance-shaped, waxy leaves. The flowers are produced in terminal panicles of male racemes, which are about 20cm in length. The flowers are followed in late summer or early autumn by cobs with yellow, sweet, edible grains. Grow them in fertile soil which is amended with bone-meal and wood ashes as well as rotted manure and compost. Pre-sprouting the seeds will aid in speedier germination. For best pollination, grow the corn in a small square instead of long rows. You may pollinate by hand to ensure the highest yield of cobs. Cobs are ready for harvest when the tassels are dark brown and the kernels have creamy liquid.
How to propagate Sweetcorn
Seed
You can propagate from seeds in late winter or early spring.
Other uses of Sweetcorn
Culinary, ornamental, cereal, food