•Select the Right Time and Location: Plant super sweet corn after the last frost date in your area when soil temperatures have warmed to at least 65°F (18°C). Choose a sunny location in your garden with well-drained soil.
•Prepare the Soil: Work the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches, removing weeds and incorporating organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. Super sweet corn benefits from soil that's rich in nutrients and organic matter.
•Choose Your Varieties: There are different types of supersweet corn varieties available, including sh2, se (sugary enhanced), and synergistic hybrids. Select varieties that are well-suited to your climate and growing conditions, paying attention to factors like flavor, ear size, and maturity date.
•Planting Seeds: Super sweet corn seeds can be sown directly into the garden or started indoors. If starting indoors, sow seeds in biodegradable pots or seed trays filled with seed-starting mix about 3-4 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
•Spacing: Plant super sweet corn seeds or seedlings in blocks rather than single rows to ensure good pollination. Space plants 9-12 inches apart within the row, with rows spaced 30-36 inches apart. Adequate spacing allows for proper pollination and ear development.
•Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination and as the plants are establishing themselves. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage. Once established, water deeply but infrequently, providing about 1-1.5 inches of water per week.
•Fertilizing: Super sweet corn is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular fertilization. Before planting, incorporate a balanced fertilizer or aged compost into the soil. Side-dress the plants with additional fertilizer when they reach knee height and again when they start to tassel.
•Weed Control: Keep the area around the corn plants free of weeds, which can compete for nutrients and water. Mulching with straw or grass clippings can help suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture.
•Pest and Disease Management: Monitor your super sweet corn plants regularly for signs of pests and diseases. Common pests include corn earworms and aphids, while diseases such as common rust and smut can also affect corn. Use appropriate cultural practices and consider using organic or chemical controls as needed.
•Harvesting: Super sweet corn is typically ready to harvest 70-90 days after planting, depending on the variety. Harvest ears when the kernels are plump and filled out, and the silks are dry and brown. To test for ripeness, gently squeeze a kernel with your thumbnail; if it releases a milky liquid, the corn is ready to pick.