- Characteristics of the seeds
- Sow the seeds at the right time
- Plant and row spacing and the perfect sowing depth
- In which soil do the seeds germinate well?
Those who grow annual sweetcorn, originally from Mexico, are usually keen on the seeds, which are clustered in long, thick cobs. Whether fresh or dried - they can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. What are their characteristics and how are they sown?
Sweetcorn seeds are ripe in late summer
Characteristics of the seeds
Sweetcorn seeds have the following properties:
- Ripening time: August to September
- in flasks close together
- dark germs
- needs warmth (ideal germination temperature: 15 to 20 °C)
- 6 to 12 mm in size
- Thousand grain weight: 250 to 400 g
- Available in many colors: yellow, white-yellow, orange, red, pink, violet, bluish, greenish, black
- the sugar it contains turns into starch after harvesting
Sow the seeds at the right time
You can grow the sweetcorn seeds in a bright place at home. This has the advantage that they germinate faster and more reliably. The best period for bringing forward is between April and May.
Direct sowing should be started from mid-May (after the ice saints). Soak the seeds in warm water at 20 °C for 8 to 10 hours before sowing!
Plant and row spacing and the perfect sowing depth
5 to 7 seeds (or double the amount if the weaker plants are selected later) can be planted per meter. They are sown point down in the prepared soil. The sowing depth is 3 to 4 cm (in sandy soils also 5 cm).
It is recommended to sow at least a double row for later good fertilization. A distance of 20 to 40 cm is observed in the row and a distance of 40 to 60 cm between the rows.
In which soil do the seeds germinate well?
The soil should be kept moist but not prone to waterlogging. A minimum floor temperature of 10 °C is important. Otherwise the seeds will not germinate. A nutrient-rich, deep, well-drained and neutral substrate is best for a successful harvest.
tips
When growing sweet corn, it is best to use open-pollinated varieties instead of hybrid varieties! Seed-resistant varieties include, for example, 'Golden Bantam' and 'Damaun'.