How to grow delicious sweetcorn

Story by Phil Dudman

Growing sweetcorn is one of the warm season’s true joys. Here are some tips for growing juicy corn.

Best time to sow sweetcorn

Sweetcorn likes warm to hot conditions. Spring to early summer is the best time to sow in most areas, but in the tropics and warmest subtropical areas, you can pretty much grow it year round. It needs plenty of sun, with protection from strong winds, and the soil must be rich and well drained.

Nourishing the soil

Without adequate nutrition, the plants and cobs will be stunted, so give the soil all you’ve got. That means plenty of compost or well-rotted manure, and a generous application of blood and bone or pelletised chicken manure.

Water and drainage

Mound the soil in rows if drainage needs improving. Sweetcorn also demands lots of water, so if your tanks are low or you’re on restrictions with no rain about, consider growing it another time.

Seeds or seedlings?

Seedlings are readily available, but corn seed germinates easily, and you need at least 20 plants for a decent crop, so buying seed is the best option. The viability of corn seed is limited, so if you have an old packet that you’ve had for more than a year, buy a fresh packet to avoid disappointment.

Planting tips

It will take 7–10 days for corn seed to germinate. In the ground, space plants 20–25cm apart in rows 50–60cm apart and plant a minimum of three rows. A single row won’t cut it – corn must be planted in blocks to achieve good pollination, so that cobs end up full of delicious kernels, not patchy.

Sweetcorn care

Gradually increase the depth of watering as the crop develops, and cover the soil with a thick layer of straw mulch to keep the roots moist. When plants reach 50cm high, hill the soil and add compost around their base. This encourages more roots to develop, which improves plant stability and also increases nutrient and water uptake.

Harvesting sweetcorn

When the silks turn brown, it’s time to see if your cobs are ready for harvesting. Peel back some of the protective husk and pierce a single kernel with your thumbnail. If it releases a milky liquid, the cobs are ready. If it’s clear, they need more time. If it’s dry, you’ve left the cobs on too long and the kernels are past their best. To harvest those juicy cobs, remove them with a twist and a sharp movement downwards, then eat them without delay. Delicious!

Photo by iStock