Corn, Sweet

CULTURE: Cold soil planting risks poor germination! Even treated corn seeds (fungicide or Natural II) risk low germination under 60°F (16°C). Only treated seeds of good cold-germinating varieties may be sown in 55°F (13°C) soil if warmer weather is anticipated. Otherwise wait until soil temperature is at least 60°F (16°C). Please see the sweet corn comparison chart for minimum soil temperature at planting for individual varieties. Make first sowings of UNTREATED seeds when soil is warm, at least 65°F (18°C). Floating row covers may be used on early plantings to help moderate soil temperature.
PLANTING: Plan to separate small plantings of Super Sweets by a distance of 25 feet, (acreage plantings,100 feet) from non-Super Sweet varieties, or by time, a 10-day planting date/maturity difference. Extensive crossing with non-Super Sweets will result in tough, starchy kernels in both types. Sow 3/4-1" deep, 6-7" apart (or 2 seeds every 9", thinning to 1 plant), rows 30-36" apart. Increase this rate for untreated seeds. Arrange in blocks of at least 4 rows for proper pollination, which is needed for well-filled ears. Successive plantings can be made through early summer; most growers prefer to extend the sweet corn season by planting a few varieties of different maturities.
INSECT PESTS: Consult your local Extension office for Integrated Pest Management information. Reduce insect pests in the next corn crop by prompt plowing-in or removal and composting of cornstalks after harvest.
HARVEST: When kernels are full and "milky," generally indicated by a drying and browning of the ear silks. Record the date on which about half the plants show silk. Corn is ready to eat 18-24 days after ear silks first show; the warmer the weather, the sooner you can pick it.
DAYS TO MATURITY: Varies widely with weather conditions and planting dates. Use these figures to compare one variety to another, not to accurately predict maturity on a given day.
AVG. SEEDING RATE: 500'/M, 2,500'/5M, 12,500'/25M, 30M/acre at 2 seeds/ft. in rows 36" apart.
SEED SPECS: SEEDS/LB.: 1,700-3,500 (avg. 2,500 su/se/synergistic type). Super Sweet 2,500-5,500 (avg. 3,000)
PACKET: 150 seeds sows 75' at 2 seeds/ft.
PLEASE SPECIFY: (1) treated with Natural II organic seed enhancement (B), (2) treated with fungicide seed protectants (T), or (3) untreated seeds. We offer most varieties untreated or Natural II treated for organic growers. All fungicide treated corn seeds are polymer-coated after treatment to prevent rubbing off or dusting of the treatment.