"We offer open-pollinated corn especially for the seed saver. Yields may be somewhat lower than hybrid sweet corn. Corn varieties need to be separated by at least 1/2 mile or need to be bagged to prevent cross pollination. See our book section for seed saving publications.

CULTURE: Patience is critical to growing a good crop of corn. Corn does not like cold wet soil so resist the urge to plant until the soil temperature is 60-65°F. If in doubt, get a soil thermometer and check! Enthusiastic gardeners can get a jumpstart by starting the seed indoors and transplanting after the danger of frost has passed. Because corn is wind pollinated, plant individual varieties in blocks of 4 rows. Space rows 24-30 inches apart, and make row furrows about 6-8 inches deep. Spread 6 pounds of Territorial’s 6-5-3 Complete Fertilizer per 100 linear feet or 100 square feet. Back fill the furrow until it is 1-2 inches deep. Sow 3 seeds per foot and cover with soil or sifted compost. Days to emergence: 7-10, when soil temperature is 65-85°F. When seedlings are 4-5 inches tall, thin plants to a final spacing of 8-12 inches apart. Water regularly and deeply. Up until the corn begins to tassel, use Fish & Kelp Grow Formula or a high nitrogen fertilizer as a foliar spray every 7-14 days. If the color of the plant is dark green, cut back the fertilizer. Mulch with compost or composted manure to help retain moisture and control weeds.
NUMBER OF EARS: Most corn varieties are bred to produce 2 ears. Excellent growing conditions and soil fertility can sometimes result in a third ear.
DISEASE: The incidence of disease in corn is being greatly reduced by breeding resistant varieties. Prevention is enhanced by a 3-year crop rotation and removing old stalks in the fall.
INSECTS/PESTS: Corn borers can be controlled with applications of Rotenone-Pyrethrin applied before silking. Contact your local county extension agent for more specific pest control measures in your area. The most important control measure is removing all stalks and refuse from the garden in fall.
HARVEST: When kernels are full and ‘’milky’’. A drying and browning of the ear silks is a good indicator of readiness. Ears should be cooled as quickly as possible and stored at 34°F.
SEED SPECS: Minimum germination standard: 80%. Days to maturity are calculated from date of direct seeding. Usual seed life: 1 year. Approximately 110-250 seeds per ounce (average 115); 8 ounces per 1/2 pound.

Sampler: 1 ounce
Packet: 2 ounces
Unless otherwise noted."

   Open Pollinated