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Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. [some refer to sweet corn as a separate variety of corn: Zea mays L. var. rugosa (or saccharata)])
Corn (maize) is native to America and has been cultivated in Central America since 3500 BC. Today, in world grain production, corn is third, following wheat and rice.
Temperature
Corn optimally grows during daytime temperatures between 77F and 91F, and nighttime temperatures ranging from 62F through 74F. However, for the entirety of the growing season, corn prefers a range of 68F to 73F. A fairly resilient crop, maize can survive extreme temperatures; 32F on the low end while it can withstand high-end temperatures nearing 112F. Keep in mind that growth will be stunted during prolonged exposure to temperatures dropping to 41F and surpassing 95F.
Soil
Good water-holding and well-draining soils are where sweet corn thrives, although, it can be grown in less favorable sandy soil types, irrigation will be important for the optimum pollination and development of kernels. Maize prefers a neutral to slightly acidic soil pH of 5.8-6.6 – soils that warm quickly and field locations with southern exposure are integral when growing early-season sweet corn for early growth and harvest. The plant population should be 14,000 to 24,000 plants per acre.
Spacing
Row spacing has decreased steadily as populations increase to gain higher yield per acre. In row space roughly 15-36 inches and between rows 30-36 inches; seed depth should be 1-2 inches deep.
Harvest
There is a quite short window of opportunity for optimum harvest maturity; quality tends to rapidly decrease before and after peak maturity. Unhusked ears provide little indication of harvest maturity, instead, use the appearance of the silks; they are ready for harvest when dry and brown. Sweet corn can be mechanically or hand-harvested. For a high-quality marketable product, check the ears for worms, insects, and bird damage.
Keep the ears in the husk and refrigerate in plastic bags promptly following harvest, this helps maintain quality. Store at 90% relative humidity and 32°F, ear quality will remain fairly good for 2-3 weeks if stored at these conditions.
For more information, please see links below:
- Ohio Agronomy Guide
- Penn State Extension - Sweet Corn Production
- Oklahoma State Extension - Sweet Corn Production
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