Corn originated in Mexico and Central America, where indigenous people cultivated wild varieties into the maize we know today. Over time, improvements in breeding have led to significant advancements in growing corn, particularly in sweet corn, with new varieties offering better flavor and longer shelf life.
Corn Varieties
1. Sugary Types
The first types of sweet corn, known as “sugary” varieties, could only maintain their sweetness for 1-3 days after harvest.
2. Super Sweet Types
Recent developments in “super sweet” varieties have resulted in corn that stays sweet for 4-5 days, thanks to higher sugar content. These types are ideal for those who want longer-lasting flavor.
3. Sugar Enhanced Types
Another advancement in growing corn is “sugar enhanced” varieties, where the sugar is a blend of different types, often resulting in improved flavor.
Many people prefer the crisp, sweet taste of sweet corn over the chewy texture of regular maize (also known as mealies).
Growing Sweet Corn vs. Maize
One major advantage of growing sweet corn is that it matures faster than maize. However, a challenge for growers is the risk of cross-pollination. If pollen from maize reaches sweet corn, the kernels can become starchy rather than sweet. For this reason, it’s recommended to grow only one type of corn at a time to avoid mixing varieties.
Choosing the Right Type of Corn
- Sugary Types
Older varieties like “Golden Bantam” and “Stowell’s Evergreen” fall into this category, but modern hybrids like “Bonita” and “Cabaret” (a bicolor corn with white and golden kernels) are recommended for better results.
- Super Sweet Types
A good example is “Star,” which also has strong resistance to rust disease.
Cultivation and Care of corn
If you are growing corn or intend to follow the practices below;
- Soil Preparation: Use cattle manure or compost, applying one handful per square meter of soil.
- Planting: Space rows 90-100 cm apart, with plants spaced 20 cm apart within each row. It’s best to water the soil before planting and cover the seeds with 1-2 cm of soil.
- Watering: Be cautious with watering, especially for super sweet varieties, as they are sensitive to overwatering or deep planting, particularly in cooler spring conditions.
Pest Control
- Cutworm: Apply a treatment before the plants emerge to prevent damage.
- Side Dressing: When the plants are about 15 cm tall, apply a side dressing of LAN fertilizer at a rate of two teaspoons per running meter. This can be repeated at the tasseling stage.
- Stalk Borer: When plants are at the funnel stage (before tasseling), spray or dust the funnels to protect against stalk borers.
- Bollworm: When the corn starts to silk, spray the cobs with insecticide to prevent bollworm infestation.
- Astylus Beetles: These black and yellow beetles are attracted to corn pollen. If they appear in large numbers, spray them to ensure proper pollination.
Harvesting Sweet Corn
- Timing: Sweet corn should be harvested when the kernels are fully developed but before they start to dent.
- Storage: If you plan to store the corn for a few days, harvest in the cool of the morning and refrigerate immediately.
Cooking Tips
- To maintain the corn’s flavor, avoid overcooking. Boil for only a few minutes, and add a little milk and sugar to the water if desired, but wait to add salt until after buttering.
- Grilling (Braaing): For a delicious twist, grill sweet corn on the braai. Pull back the husks, remove the silk, and smear butter on the kernels before closing the husks. Soak the corn in water for 15-20 minutes before grilling. You can also wrap the corn in tin foil before grilling.
Baby Corn
For baby corn, harvest the second cob on each plant as soon as the silks appear, while leaving the first cob to fully develop. Baby corn can also be harvested from tillers (side shoots) of the plant.
With the right care, sweet corn can be a rewarding crop, offering fresh, delicious produce that’s perfect for a variety of dishes.
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