Sweetcorn - 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 summer crop that produces sweet cobs on tall plants. Grow in a block (rather than a single row) for better pollination, and keep plants well watered when cobs are forming. Harvest when the tassels turn brown and the grains are full and milky. Delicious boiled, barbecued, or cut into salads and salsas.
- Vegetable Type: Sweetcorn
- 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.