Sweet Corn Growing Guide
Sweet corn is a mutation of field corn selected for high sugar content at the milk stage. It is harvested immature and eaten as a vegetable rather than a grain. Modern supersweet (sh2) varieties retain sweetness much longer after harvest than older types.
Growing Conditions
Soil Requirements
Soil Type & pH
Best soil types: loam, sandy loam, silt loam
pH range: 5.8 - 7 (optimal: 6.5)
Drainage: good
Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)
Planting Guide
Yield & Economics
Common Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
- corn earworm
- European corn borer
- fall armyworm
- Japanese beetle
Common Diseases
- common rust
- northern leaf blight
- smut
- stewarts wilt
Use to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.
Growing Tips
Plant sweet corn in blocks of at least 4 rows (not single long rows) to ensure adequate wind pollination and full ear fill.
Isolate supersweet (sh2) varieties from other corn types by 75 m or 2 weeks in planting time to prevent cross-pollination that reduces sweetness.
Harvest at the milk stage when silks are brown and dry; pierce a kernel with your fingernail and milky juice should squirt out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Sweet Corn take to grow?
Sweet Corn typically takes 75 days from planting to harvest. Seeds germinate in about 7 days. The best planting season is late spring, early summer.
What soil does Sweet Corn need?
Sweet Corn grows best in loam, sandy loam, silt loam soil with a pH of 5.8-7. Good drainage is required.
What temperature does Sweet Corn need?
Sweet Corn grows best at 21-30°C. Frost tolerance: none. Heat tolerance: moderate.
What is the expected yield for Sweet Corn?
Sweet Corn yields approximately 15,000 kg/hectare under good conditions.
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