Growing maize (sweetcorn) vegetables from seed

Growing maize (sweetcorn) vegetables from seed


Sweetcorn

Sow the seed individually in 3in (7.5cm) pots indoors in early spring or outdoors 1.5in (3.5cm) deep, after the last frost and when the soil is warm, where the crop is to mature. Indoor the seeds prefer a soil temperature of 70-75°F (21-24°C) for best germination.

Plant out in early summer in blocks 1-2ft (30-60cm) each way, depending on the variety. This is an aid to pollination and the other is to tap the top of the stem to transfer pollen from the male flowers to the female ones below.

Most plants will produce two cobs, the first being larger than the later second.

To test the cob for ripeness, press a grain with a finger nail and if the juice is milky, it is just right.


Sue Sanderson T&M horticulturalist

Written by: Sue Sanderson

Plants and gardens have always been a big part of my life. I can remember helping my Dad to prick out seedlings, even before I could see over the top of the potting bench. As an adult, I trained at Writtle College where I received my degree, BSc. (Hons) Horticulture. After working in a specialist plantsman's nursery, and later, as a consulting arboriculturalist, I joined Thompson & Morgan in 2008. Initially looking after the grounds and coordinating the plant trials, I now support the web team offering horticultural advice online.

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