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Corn
UC Links
Pest management: Corn cultural tips, pests, and diseases
The Basics
When to plant: Direct seed May–June (possibly April and July). Plant every 2–3 weeks for successive harvest (or when the most recent seedlings have 3–4 leaves).
Harvest window: Sweet corn is ready for harvest about 17 to 24 days after the first silk strands appear, more quickly in hot weather, more slowly in cool weather.
Care overview: Corn is wind-pollinated, so planting in blocks of at least 3 to 4 short rows will be more successfully pollinated than one or two long rows.
Videos
- Increase Your Sweet Corn Yield [4:33]
- Protecting Sweet Corn Ears [4:41]
- 3 Sisters Garden [4:00]
More links
Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County*
| Jubilee | Mid-season variety of sweet corn with all ears maturing at the same time |
| Peaches and Cream | Very early variety of yellow and white corn, with an extended harvest time |
| Silver Queen | Late season variety of white sweet corn, can be eaten fresh or frozen |
Other recommended varieties: Early Sunglow, Golden Bantam, Honey and Cream, Kandy Korn, Jubilee, Platinum Lady
* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.