Sweet Corn Yellow Hawaiin Supersweet #9

Description

Item Details

This amazing corn was bred by the University of Hawaii to withstand tropical heat and disease pressure. A great choice for Southern gardeners in particular, but will do well just about anywhere. One of just a handful of open-pollinated “supersweet” corn varieties available today.

Learn To Grow Sweet Corn Yellow Hawaiin Supersweet #9

Growing Information

• Know when to plant. Depending on your region and the type of corn you are planting, you will need to plant seeds at different times. Typically, the best time to plant is mid-May to late June. Be wary of planting too early, since the seeds will rot if the soil is too cold. If you have a soil thermometer, check the temperature regularly and wait to plant until the soil reaches 65ºF.
• Corn likes to grow in areas of full sun, so select a garden plot that is out in the open. Try to choose an area relatively free of weeds, as corn has a difficult time competing.
• Corn prefers soil that is nitrogen-rich and well-manured. Add compost or manure to the soil two and four weeks before planting so that it has time to incorporate with the soil.
• Corn is wind-pollinated, so it is best to plant it in blocks rather than individual rows so that the pollen has a better chance of germinating.
• Plant the seeds every 3 inches along rows, with 24–36 inches of space between rows. Plant at least four rows so the wind can spread pollen between them.
• Plant the seeds 1–2 inches below the surface of the soil.
• Water the corn. Corn requires about one inch of water a week, and lax watering can produce ears with many missing kernels. Apply water to the base of the plants to prevent washing away pollen at the top of the plant.
• Weed around young plants. Keep the corn weed-free until it is about knee-high. After that, your corn should out-compete the weeds on its own.
• As the saying “knee-high by the fourth of July” goes, your corn should be 12–18 inches tall by the beginning of July. The corn is finished growing about three weeks after it develops “tassels” – a dry, brown silk tail at the top of the ear.
• The corn is ready to be harvested when the kernels are tightly packed and produce a milky fluid when punctured. This is called the “milk stage”. Eat immediately after picking for the best flavor and optimum freshness.

Planting:

• Spacing: Plant seeds 1 inch deep, about 4-6 inches apart in rows 30-36 inches apart.
• Sunlight: Corn requires full sun.
• Soil: They prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
• Watering: Water deeply once a week; they need 1-2 inches of water per week.
• Harvesting: Harvest when the tassels become dark brown and corn kernels feel plump.

 

Health Benefits:

• Digestive Health: Corn is high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.
• Eye Health: It contains carotenoids, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote eye health.
• Antioxidants: Sweet corn is a good source of antioxidants which help protect the body from damage.
• Energy Booster: It’s high in carbs, providing energy for your body.
• Heart Health: It contains folate, known to lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that can contribute to heart disease when levels are high in the body.