Corn
UC Links
How to grow
Corn (UC Davis Vegetable Research and Information Center)
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.