Nothing says summer quite like the taste of fresh sweet corn. Whether you enjoy it straight off the cob, grilled, or in a delicious side dish, growing your own ensures the freshest flavor possible. At Earl May Garden Center, we provide high-quality sweet corn seeds and expert guidance to help you achieve a successful harvest.

How to Plant Sweet Corn for Maximum Yield

For the best results, plant sweet corn in rows that are spaced 3 feet apart, with kernels placed approximately 6 inches apart. While early plantings can withstand light frosts, it's essential to plant in warm soil (above 60 degrees) for optimal germination. To enjoy a continuous harvest from mid-July through September, plant new seeds every 10 days.

10 Golden Rules for Growing Extra Sweet (sh2) Sweet Corn

Supersweet or "Shrunken" (SH2) sweet corn varieties require extra care but reward gardeners with a higher sugar content and longer-lasting sweetness. Follow these essential tips for a successful harvest:

• Adjust Planter: Shrunken (SH2) sweet corn seeds are smaller than normal corn, so adjust your planter accordingly. Aim for 22,000 to 25,000 plants per acre.

• Monitor Soil Temperature: Soil should be at least 75 degrees for proper germination. Avoid planting in soils below 60 degrees.

• Isolate Plantings: To prevent cross-pollination and maintain sweetness, separate shrunken (SH2) sweet corn by at least 20 feet or stagger planting dates by 10 days.

• Fertilize Properly: Shrunken (SH2) sweet corn has the same fertility requirements as normal sweet corn.

• Ensure Moisture: These varieties require twice the moisture for germination. Avoid planting in dry soil.

• Space Seeds Evenly: Uniform seed placement is crucial for optimal growth.

• Shallow Planting Depth: Plant seeds at a depth of 1 to 1.5 inches.

• Monitor Tasseling: Record when half of the plants show silk to estimate harvest timing.

• Harvest at the Right Time: Corn is ready for harvest 18-22 days after half-silk, depending on weather conditions.

• Refrigerate After Harvest: Cooling immediately after harvest preserves sugar content and enhances sweetness.

Understanding Sweet Corn Types

The genotype of sweet corn influences its taste, texture, and storage life. Here are the most common types:

Normal Sugary (SU) - These varieties have a moderate sugar content that rapidly converts to starch after harvest. Perfect for traditional sweet corn lovers.

Sugar Enhanced (SE) - SE varieties are sweeter and more tender than SU corn. They also maintain their sweetness longer after harvest. Isolation from SU varieties isn't required but is recommended for best results.

Extra Sweet (SH2) - Also called Supersweet or Shrunken, these varieties have an intensely sweet flavor and a slow sugar-to-starch conversion rate. To avoid tough, starchy kernels, SH2 must be isolated from SU and SE varieties.

Triple Sweet - This newer variety blends the tenderness of SE with the long-lasting sweetness of SH2. A quarter of the kernels are sugar-enhanced, making for an incredibly flavorful experience. Triple Sweet varieties do not require isolation from SE but should be kept separate from SH2.

Shop Sweet Corn Seeds

Ready to grow your own delicious sweet corn? Visit Earl May Garden Center for premium sweet corn seeds and expert gardening advice. Whether you're a backyard gardener or planting on a larger scale, we have the right varieties to suit your needs.

Start planting today and enjoy a summer filled with the irresistible taste of homegrown sweet corn!