Corn

Native to North and South America, corn — or maize — was first cultivated some 4,000 years before Columbus set foot in the New World. Today, with more than 85% of the US crop genetically modified, it is more important than ever for backyard gardeners to start growing corn at home and preserve the good, old fashioned heirloom varieties that so many generations have enjoyed eating right off the cob.

Heirloom corn varieties have been passed down from generation to generation, are GMO-free and are cherished for their outstanding characteristics, such as superior taste, adaptability and vigorous growth.

Fun Fact: The United States produces about 40% of the world’s corn supply on 90 million acres, most of which is harvested in the Midwest.

Nothing says summer like fresh heirloom corn! We carry various-colored and unusual varieties, both fresh eating, ornamentals and — everybody’s favorite — popcorn! Planting instructions are included with each ​seed ​packet and shipping is FREE!

Quick Guide: Planting, Growing & Harvesting Corn

1. Direct seed into warm soil located in full sun
2. Corn is a heavy feeder, so prepare the planting area with plenty of organic matter
3. Water faithfully
4. Protect against wildlife like raccoon and deer
5. Harvest 65-90 days after planting
6. Pests and diseases include earworm and smut

Site Preparation

Corn is a warm-season vegetable that requires full sun, ample water and deep, rich garden soil to perform well. Warmer temperatures at night also accelerate growth. Prepare the planting site by working in generous amounts of a quality organic compost or well aged animal manure. Plants need to be well protected from frost.

Tip: Cover the planting area with black plastic for two to four weeks prior to planting to warm the soil and improve germination. Corn will not germinate if soil temperatures are below 55˚F.

How to Plant

Corn should be planted directly into the soil after it has warmed in the spring (two weeks after your average last-frost date). Sow seeds 1 inch deep, 8-12 inches apart. Crops are wind-pollinated, so plant in short rows or blocks to ensure even pollination. Undeveloped kernels indicate uneven pollination. Plant a new crop every two weeks to ensure harvest throughout the gardening season.

Plants are heavy feeders. Fertilize with alfalfa meal, blood meal or other high nitrogen organic fertilizer until tassels develop.

Tip: Some gardeners in colder climates have had luck starting seeds in individual pots (newspaper, biodegradable pots, etc.) that they plant directly into the ground.

Consider adding kelp meal to vegetable gardens. It’s loaded with micronutrients and is especially good for supplying trace minerals to crops that will be consumed. It will also help guard against plant stresses such as insects, frost, disease and drought.

Make sure that the entire root zone is damp as ears mature by watering at the base of the stalks. Soaking the leaves rather than the roots washes away pollen and reduces the number of kernels that develop.

Harvesting and Storage

Corn is ready to pick three weeks after tassels appear. Look for dark green husks, brown supple silks and plump kernels that squirt “milky” liquid when pinched. Ears taste best when picked in the late afternoon and should be twisted from the plant in a downward motion. Sweet corn requires 65-90 days to reach maturity, depending on the variety.

Store in plastic bags in the refrigerator. For best flavor, use within two days of picking and can remaining crop shortly after harvest.

Insect & Disease Problems

Rotate corn with other crops to prevent recurring pest or disease problems. Corn earworm, deer and raccoon are common problems. Discourage animal pests with fencing, repellents and scare devices.

Spinosad is a relatively new biological pesticide that can be used to effectively combat earworms. Mix 4 Tbsp. per gallon of water and treat silk frequently. Approved for organic use, spinosad — the active ingredient in Monterey® Garden Insect Spray — does not significantly impact beneficial insects and spiders while controlling pests.

White or grayish swellings are signs of corn smut, a common fungal disease that should be treated with organic fungicides.

Seed Saving Instructions

All heirloom varieties are wind pollinated and will cross-pollinate with each other. Varieties should be hand-pollinated or isolated by one mile to ensure purity. Allow ears to dry on plants, harvest and shell.