Your Passport to Bountiful Harvests and Gardening Mastery
Guide

Unlocking the Mystery: How to Grow Sweetcorn RHS Like a Pro

Michael Johnson is the founder and head editor of SipsScene.com, a blog dedicated to sharing his 30+ years of hands-on farming experience. As a third-generation farmer, Michael has cultivated a deep passion for sustainable agriculture and teaching others how to grow their own food.

What To Know

  • Sweetcorn, a staple of summer barbecues and a delightful addition to salads and meals, can be successfully grown in your own garden with the right knowledge and care.
  • A classic sweetcorn variety with a sweet and tender flavor, it performs well in most regions.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut the ears from the stalk, leaving a few inches of stalk attached.

Sweetcorn, a staple of summer barbecues and a delightful addition to salads and meals, can be successfully grown in your own garden with the right knowledge and care. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) provides valuable insights and guidance for cultivating this beloved vegetable. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of growing sweetcorn according to RHS recommendations, ensuring a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy ears.

Choosing the Right Sweetcorn Variety

Before you start planting, selecting the right sweetcorn variety is crucial. The RHS recommends choosing varieties suited to your climate and growing conditions. Some popular varieties include:

  • ‘Sweet Success’: This variety is known for its early maturity and high yield, making it ideal for cooler climates.
  • ‘Golden Bantam’: A classic sweetcorn variety with a sweet and tender flavor, it performs well in most regions.
  • ‘Jubilee’: This variety is known for its large ears and excellent flavor, making it a popular choice for home gardens.

When choosing a variety, consider the following factors:

  • Maturity: Choose varieties that mature within the growing season in your region.
  • Height: Some varieties grow tall, while others remain shorter. Select a variety that fits your garden space.
  • Flavor: Different varieties have distinct flavors and sweetness levels. Choose a variety that suits your preferences.

Preparing the Soil for Sweetcorn

Sweetcorn thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Here’s how to prepare your soil:

  • Test the soil pH: Use a soil testing kit to determine the pH level. If it’s too acidic, add lime to raise the pH.
  • Improve soil drainage: If your soil is prone to waterlogging, amend it with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage.
  • Enrich the soil: Incorporate plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil fertility and structure.

Planting Sweetcorn Seeds

Sweetcorn seeds should be planted directly into the garden after the last frost. Here’s how:

  • Sow seeds: Sow seeds 1-1.5 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart, with rows spaced 30-36 inches apart.
  • Water thoroughly: Water the seeds well after planting.
  • Protect from pests: Birds and squirrels can be a problem, so consider using protective netting or row covers.

Caring for Your Sweetcorn Plants

Once your sweetcorn plants emerge, providing them with proper care will ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest:

  • Water regularly: Sweetcorn needs consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage root growth.
  • Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to provide essential nutrients for optimal growth.
  • Control weeds: Keep the area around your sweetcorn plants weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
  • Support tall varieties: If you are growing tall varieties, provide support with stakes or trellises to prevent them from falling over.

Pollination and Harvest

Sweetcorn is wind-pollinated, meaning that pollen from one plant must reach the silks of another plant for fertilization to occur. To ensure successful pollination, plant several rows of sweetcorn together.
Harvesting Sweetcorn:
Sweetcorn is ready for harvest when the silks turn brown and the kernels are plump and milky. You can test the maturity by pressing on a kernel; if it indents easily, it’s ready.

  • Harvesting: Use a sharp knife to cut the ears from the stalk, leaving a few inches of stalk attached.
  • Storing: Freshly picked sweetcorn is best enjoyed immediately. If storing, remove the husks and silks, then wrap the ears in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Tips for Success

  • Companion planting: Planting sweetcorn alongside beans or sunflowers can help deter pests and attract beneficial insects.
  • Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Rotation: Rotate your sweetcorn crop each year to prevent soilborne diseases.

Sweetcorn Success: A Celebration of Homegrown Flavor

Growing sweetcorn according to RHS recommendations can be a rewarding experience. By carefully selecting the right variety, preparing the soil, and providing adequate care, you can enjoy the sweet satisfaction of harvesting your own delicious ears of sweetcorn. From summer barbecues to hearty autumn meals, homegrown sweetcorn adds a touch of freshness and flavor to every occasion.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. How long does it take for sweetcorn to mature?
The maturity time for sweetcorn varies depending on the variety. Most varieties take 60-90 days from planting to harvest.
2. How can I prevent pests from damaging my sweetcorn plants?
Use row covers to protect your plants from birds and squirrels. You can also handpick pests like earworms or use organic pest control methods.
3. Can I grow sweetcorn in containers?
Yes, you can grow sweetcorn in containers. Choose a large container with drainage holes and use a high-quality potting mix.
4. What are the signs of sweetcorn disease?
Common sweetcorn diseases include corn smut and blight. Watch for signs like discoloration, wilting, or fungal growth on the plants.
5. How can I improve the sweetness of my sweetcorn?
Pick your sweetcorn at peak maturity when the kernels are plump and milky. Avoid over-ripening, as this can reduce sweetness.

Was this page helpful?

Michael

Michael Johnson is the founder and head editor of SipsScene.com, a blog dedicated to sharing his 30+ years of hands-on farming experience. As a third-generation farmer, Michael has cultivated a deep passion for sustainable agriculture and teaching others how to grow their own food.
Back to top button