Thank you for your question, Devon. Â Here is general article about growing corn in a home environment: Â https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites///04/Sweet-Corn-FS104E.pdf
Dayu contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
The primary reasons for avoiding two or more varieties of corn are (a) wanting to prevent non-GMO pollination, and (2) wanting to prevent creation of a hybrid variety.  Genetic issues aside, under field conditions, 97% of the kernels produced are pollinated by. other plants--whether of the same or a different variety.  (https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/.pdf).Â
Since Casino Sweet Early Corn produces pollen early in the season, and Golden Jubilee is a late season corn, they may not both be at the same point in the growing cycle simultaneously, so you won't have to worry. Â Good luck!
So just to confirm, I should be okay growing both of the varieties in the same corn patch (obviously they'll be separated in different blocks of corn) ? They'd only be separated by about 10-20ft, but it sounds like from your previous comment that I'll be okay since one is early and one is late? Overall, would I get higher yields if I chose to go with just one variety?
Thanks again for getting back to me!Â
Devon: Â your approach is certainly the most conservative one. Â A couple of observations: Â even with your best efforts, you cannot prevent the wind from blowing pollen from another source you can't control (if you even know of it). Â With the world's best palate, you might not be able to discern subtle differences between and among the kernels. Â And, it is not recommended that you save corn seeds from year to year, so this is your one time to use already purchased seeds. Â Experiment!
Coffee grounds actually do not acidify soil, since the 'acid' in them has been removed by brewing. Â I suggest you get a soil test to see if you need to amend it. Â Here is an Extension article on this species with soil information: Â https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec/html
This article has testing labs nearby: Â https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em
Sweet corn prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil for maximum yield. Incorporate plenty of organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the area before planting. When soils are above 60ºF, space rows 24-30 inches apart and plant seeds 1 inch deep and 7-9 inches apart in the row. Plant corn in blocks to ensure good pollination and ear development.
Sweet corn may be transplanted or seeded under clear plastic for early production. Plant corn every 10-14 days for a continuous crop throughout the season. Side dress sweet corn with nitrogen fertilizer when plants have 8-10 leaves and again near silking. Corn requires regular watering, so maintain soils near field capacity.
Water stress will reduce yield and ear quality. Organic mulches help conserve water, supply extra nutrients, and reduce weed growth. Control insect and diseases if they occur. Harvest when ears are plump, silks are dry, and kernels are milky. Use ears immediately for best quality.
There are many different sweet corn varieties for the home vegetable garden. Major differences include maturity dates and sugar content. Sweet corn has a maturity range of 60 to 90 days from planting depending on variety. Early varieties produce smaller ears and are less sweet than later maturing types. Early varieties do well where the growing season is short and temperatures are cool. Late maturing varieties are better adapted to long seasons and warm temperatures. Sugar content in the kernels should also be considered. Sweet corn varieties are classified as standard sugary (su), sugary enhanced (se), or super sweet (sh2). Standard types germinate better than the se or sh2 types in cool soils. All types germinate well in warm soils. Eating quality (sweetness) may be affected when su, se and sh2 are planted together and tassel at the same time. If cross pollination occurs, the extra sweetness of the se and sh2 types is lost and they taste more like the standard types. Time your plantings so they tassel at different times. All sweet corn varieties will grow in Utah, but not all are available. Most garden centers and nurseries carry varieties proven to grow well and produce high quality, flavorful ears. Most varieties grow well in Utah.
Sweet corn will grow in all Utah soil types that are nutrient rich, well-drained, and fertile.
Want more information on Sweet corn seeds? Feel free to contact us.
Before planting, determine fertilizer needs with a soil test and then follow the recommendations given with the test report. If fertilizer applications are warranted, work the fertilizer into the top 6 inches of soil. If you fertilize with compost, apply no more than 1 inch of well-composted organic matter per 100 square feet of garden area.
Sweet corn is a warm weather vegetable that requires soil and air temperatures above 60ºF for best germination and plant growth. Plant after the last frost-free date for your area. For earlier corn, some gardeners grow transplants for planting after the frost-free date. Seeds may be sown 3-4 weeks earlier if planted through or under clear plastic tunnels (see photo above).
To plant 100 feet of row, you will need 3-4 ounces of seed. Planting in blocks of three or more rows rather than in a single long row. This improves pollination and ear production. Plant corn seeds 1 inch deep. Seeds should be spaced 7-9 inches apart in the row with 24-30 inches between rows. For high-density corn, plant in 15 by 15 inch squares. Plant the same variety or type every 10-14 days until early July for continuous production throughout the season. Corn requires 60-90 days to mature depending on variety. Planting a 65, 70, 75, and 80 day variety of the same type (su, se, or sh2) at the same time will ensure production over a longer time period. With a little planning, a continuous supply of fresh sweet corn can be produced.
Sweet corn requires regular watering throughout growth for best production. Soils should be maintained near field capacity. Water needs are critical during tasseling, silking, and ear formation. Drought stress during ear development will decrease yield, lower kernel quality, and affect flavor. Watering amounts depend on soil type.
In addition to the fertilizer used when preparing the site, sweet corn needs additional nitrogen fertilizer to produce optimum yields. Side dress sweet corn with ½ lb. of 21-0-0 per 100 square feet when plants are near knee high (8-10 leaves) and with an additional ¼ lb. when the first tassel or silks appear. Place the fertilizer 6 inches to the side of the plants and irrigate it into the soil.
Clear plastic mulches help conserve water, provide some frost protection, and allow earlier planting and maturity, but stimulate weed growth under the plastic. Fabric row covers also protect young plants from frosts. Organic mulches like grass clippings, straw, and shredded newspaper also help control weeds and reduces soil water loss.
Control weeds with regular cultivation especially when plants are small. Once sweet corn begins to grow vigorously, it will out-compete the weeds. When cultivating, avoid root damage which can slow plant growth.
Sweet corn ears mature in 17-24 days from silk emergence depending on the temperature. Ears are mature when silks are dry and brown. The husks should appear moist and green. Kernels in the tip of the ear should be plump and release milky juice when punctured. Ears can be harvested over a 5-7 day period. For best quality and flavor, harvest and use immediately. To harvest, grasp the ear, snap downward while twisting the ear. Sweet corn can be stored for several days if refrigerated. Do not husk until ready for use.
Expect one ear per plant. Plant 10-15 feet of row per person for fresh use and an additional 30-40 feet of row per person for canning or freezing. Ear size and yield depends on variety grown.
Sweet corn is high in fiber, potassium, folic acid, and vitamin A. One ear contains 80 calories and 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Published May
Utah State University Extension
Peer-reviewed fact sheet
Download PDF
Daniel Drost, Vegetable Specialist
For more sweet sorghum seed for saleinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.