Corn Country White (organic)

Description

Item Details

A home garden variety grown for fresh eating or canning, this standard, late-season white corn has narrow “shoe peg” (non-rowed) kernels. Tapered 7-8″ ears grow on 7-8′ stalks that often produce two ears. This historic variety was introduced in 1890 by S. D. Woodruff & Sons of Orange, Connecticut. 88-92 days. +4,000 seeds/lb

 

History of the Plant

Country Gentleman is a shoe peg corn meaning the kernels are not in rows on the ear. It was so named because the kernels resembled the wooden pegs used to attach shoe soles. it was introduced in 1890 by S. D. Woodruff & Sons and remains the most popular shoe peg corn today.

Learn to GrowCorn Country White (organic)

Growing Media

SOIL: Sweet corn thrives best in loamy, well-drained soils but will tolerate a wide range of soil types. The optimum pH ranges from 6.0 to 6.5. Till the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches using a spade, plow, or rototiller. Avoid tilling the soil while it is too wet or larger clods may be termed

TEMPERATURE: Optimum soil temperatures 60-85°F. Planting in soil under 60°F results in poor germination.

HARVEST: Ready for picking 2 1/2 – 3 weeks after silks appear. Silks become dry and brown. The kernels should be plump and full. Test by pressing your fingertip into a kernel, looking for a “milky” appearance. Best picked in the morning and refrigerate/cool right away.

HYDROPONICS: Thrives in a variety of hydroponic systems, including NFT, slab, and media-based systems. Use perlite or mineral wool as the growing medium.

AEROPONICS: Cuttings will root in aeroponic systems.

 

Care

WATER: Corn has deep roots, so you need to water long enough that water reaches a depth of 30-36 inches. Because corn benefits from deep, soaking watering, it’s best to water once per week rather than daily, as this ensures adequate soil moisture.

SOAK: Do not soak corn seeds prior to planting. Plant 2-5cm (1-2″) deep (shallower for sh2 seed or in cool soil). Sow seeds around 7.5cm (3″) apart, in rows 60- 90cm (24-36″) apart. Because corn is wind pollinated, plant in a dense block of at least 4 rows, rather than in single rows.

FERTILIZER: Lightly sprinkle nitrogen fertilizer, organic if available, over the layer of compost. Organic nitrogen supplements may include fish meal, cottonseed meal or blood meal.

MULCHING: Use mulch to conserve soil moisture. Black plastic mulch can be helpful to warm the soil more quickly and allow earlier planting.

 

Nutrients

NUTRITIONAL:

• Augments Eye Health.
• Supplies Essential Amino Acids.
• Supports A Gluten-Free Diet.
• Fortifies Bone Density.
• Keeps Blood Sugar Levels In Check.

MEDICINAL: Corn is a great source of potassium, which is said to help lower blood pressure, and it’s a better source of antioxidants than wheat, rice, or oats. It’s especially high in carotenoids, the antioxidants that help keep your eyes healthy.

Assuming this is a variety of maize (Zea mays):

Planting Benefits:

1. Resilient: Corn is typically a resilient plant that can grow in a variety of climates.
2. High-Yield: Corn plants can produce multiple ears per stalk, contributing to a high yield.
3. Pollinator Friendly: Corn plants can attract beneficial insects, which can help pollinate other plants in your garden.
4. Versatile: Corn can be used for a variety of culinary uses from fresh eating to drying and grinding into flour.
5. Beneficial for Soil: Corn, as part of a crop rotation plan, can help improve soil health.

 

Health Benefits:

1. Rich in Fiber: Corn is a good source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
2. Source of Vitamins: Corn is high in several essential vitamins like Vitamin C and certain B vitamins, supporting various bodily functions.
3. Antioxidant Properties: Corn has several antioxidant properties which can help combat free radicals in the body.
4. High in Carbohydrates: Corn is a good source of energy because it is high in carbohydrates.
5. Eye Health: Corn is a good source of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote eye health.