Babycorn - Zea mays
Full sun.
Jul–Sep depending on sowing time.
Mar–May outdoors after risk of frost.
40–60cm height; 30–50cm spread.
Overview
A fun crop grown like sweetcorn but harvested young as babycorn. Grow in a block for good pollination and keep well watered for steady growth. Pick the small cobs when they are still tender. Great in stir-fries, curries and crunchy salads.
- Vegetable Type: Babycorn
- Key Characteristic: Reliable crop suited to UK gardens with good flavour and productivity.
- Hardiness: (tender annual) – protect young plants from frost.
PLANTING ADVICE
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in blocks rather than single rows for good pollination. Best grown in the ground.
- Outdoor cultivation
Grow outdoors in blocks in a sunny position for best pollination.
- Greenhouse cultivation
Not suitable for greenhouse cultivation.
CARE & HARVEST
Keep soil moist and weed free. Keep plants well maintained, remove damaged growth promptly and harvest regularly to maintain healthy, productive plants.
- Watering: Water during dry periods to keep plants healthy and productive.
- Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth.
- Cutting and prunning: Remove any damaged or diseased growth as needed.
- Harvesting: Harvest when silks turn brown and kernels release a milky juice when pressed.
- Pest and diseases: Monitor regularly for pests and remove affected growth promptly.
Verve recommends...
- Harvest little and often to keep plants productive and performing at their best.