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Zea mays
Ornamental Corn, Maize, Mealie
| Although it requires lots of space, water, good soil and fertilizer, this is one of the vegetables worth making room for. The many varieties include white, yellow, bicolors, sugar-enhanced, extra-early maturing and cool-growing. Recent hybrids called Super Sweet or Extra Sweet have up to double the sugar content of regular varieties and hold their sweetness longer. Prevent cross-pollination with other Corn by isolating them 350 feet away, by varying species' maturity level or by wind direction. For a continuous supply, plant early-, mid-, and late-maturing varieties. For something different, try ornamental Indian Corn, miniature corn, or popcorn varieties. In spring, once soil has warmed and danger of frost is past, plant Corn in blocks of at least 2 rows spaced 2 to 3 feet apart. To ensure good pollination, choose a location that gets at least 8 hours of sun. Seed sown in cold, wet soil tends to rot. Best in rich soil, with regular applications of high-nitrogen fertilizer to plants 1 foot tall and again at 2½ to 3 feet. Keep evenly moist. Do not let soil dry out. Harvest when silks turn brown and ears are firm. Eat immediately for best flavor and sweetness. |
Grows best in warm weather in well-drained, mixed soil.
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Attributes - Zea mays
Plant Type: Annual
Height: 4 ft. to 7 ft.
Width: 3 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun
Notes: Thrives in Hot Climates. Showy Flowers.
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Related Plants
Zea mays 'How Sweet It Is'
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