Description

WHO GETS KISSED (Zea mays) Sweet Corn is an open-pollinated sugar-enhanced corn that is the result of a breeding program for the past decade to benefit organic farmers. Sugar-enhanced (se) sweet corn has a higher sugar content and is more tender than standard sweet corn, but typically requires warmer soils for starts, unlike standard (su) sweet corn, which can tolerate colder soil. Aside from its very wonderful name, WGK corn offers what organic corn growers need most in our changeable weather patterns -- vigorous cold-soil starts, great flavor and sweetness, and resistance to common ailments such as smut and rust. The bi-color ears have 14-16 rows and grow on stalks 5'-6' tall stalks. And of importance to home growers, the ear production is somewhat staggered, so you can enjoy for a longer period of time. 78-84 days. 50 seeds.

GROWING TIPS: Corn needs hot weather, plenty of time to ripen, and plenty of room to grow. Corn is a heavy feeder that is particularly responsive to organic compost and sweet soil (pH 6.0 to 6.8) and requires regular watering for good ear production and taste. Do not plant corn until soil temperature is 60 degrees. Provide a sunny location. Plant seeds 1" deep and 4" - 6" apart. I usually plant a little closer together and thin out the weakest so that I have them 12" apart, hilling up the strongest. You can grow in rows or you can grow in short blocks, rather than long rows, and still achieve pollination, or you can pollinate by hand. Please note that you must separate (by at least 100 feet) or stagger plantings (to make sure their maturity days are at least 7 days apart) different varieties and types of corn since they will cross pollinate. Corn needs regular watering - an inch a week, but never water the upper stalks after they tassle - it washes away the pollen! And regular feeding - especially nitrogen and phosphorous. In my area we are prone to sudden violent thunderstorms which can flatten my corn bed. So I have taken to providing a stake fence and securing the growing stalks with string as they grow. It makes quite a difference! Nothing more aggravating than watching your beautiful corn bed ready to produce to completely on its side! It also seems to frustrate the critters who nightly raid my garden! Harvest when the silks are dry and brown, usually 3 weeks after they appear. By the way, did you know your coffee grinder makes an excellent corn mill? Just be sure to clean out (or have a separate one) before using for either purpose.