Scientific Name: Zea mays
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Zea
Plant Type: Vegetable
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Soil pH Level: 5.8-7.0
Soil Texture: Well-Drained & Loamy
Sun Exposure: Full
Appearance Description: Sweet corn is bright yellow in color. The corn itself grows on a cob. Corn kernels are round in shape and can be cut or eaten off the cob easily.
How to Plant:
1. Work the soil until it has a smooth and broken up consistency.
2. Amend native soil with compost, manure, or any other material.
3. Plant in blocks of 4 rows with 2-4 feet between them.
4. Sow seeds 1.5-2 inches deep and 6-8 inches apart.
5. Water generously after planting.
How to Maintain:
1. Sweet corn is picky about soil so make sure manure and compost have been added.
2. Water corn regularly. During hot and dry conditions, increased watering may be necessary.
3. Thin plants when they reach 5-inches tall. Thin until they stand at least 15-inches apart.
4. Corn can be fertilized with a specially formulated fertilizer.
How to Harvest:
1. Harvest when tassels begin to turn brown. The kernels should be firm and the cobs should have swelled.
2. To remove, pull ears downward and twist until it snap off the stalk.
Storage Tips:
Prepare corn for cooking or preserve it immediately after picking. Corn loses flavor somewhat quickly.
Top Varieties:
1. Silver Queen
2. Iochief
3. Challenger Crisp & Sweet
4. Pristine
Fun Facts:
1. Corn can be grown on every continent except for Antarctica.
2. 1 bushel of corn will sweeten more than 400 cans of Coke.
3. There are approximately 18 kernels in each ear of corn.
4. Corn is America's number 1 field crop.
Related Soil:
Schultz Moisture Plus Potting Mix
Related Plant Food:
Schultz All Purpose Water Soluble
Schultz Flower & Vegetable Extended Feed
Schultz All Purpose Extended Feed
Schultz Granular Tomato & Vegetable Plant Food
Schultz Granular All Purpose Plant Food
