It is scientifically proven that corn was domesticated about 8700 years ago in Mexico by the indigenous inhabitants, and its ancient ancestor is the theosinte plant. Since then, its popularity, the number of varieties and the variety of areas of use have expanded significantly. Suffice it to say that it is the second cereal after wheat for global marketability. Therefore, it is not surprising that culture has become so popular in the gardens of our country, where it looks quite harmonious, grows well and delights with smooth and tasty ears. Our article is about how to plant corn in the country correctly in order to get the highest possible yield.
Sweet corn: subspecies
The choice of seed is of utmost importance: what you plant, then you will gather. The main criterion that you should pay attention to is the maturity and regionalization. At the moment, there are a huge number of varieties intended for a variety of regions, including Siberia and the Urals. In general, it should be noted that the initial species (sweet corn) is divided into nine groups depending on the structure and morphology of the grain: starchy (mealy), bursting, starchy-sugar, waxy, filmy, semi-dentate and toothy, siliceous, sugar. In Russia, the last three species have spread. Especially popular is sweet corn. It is distinguished by high palatability, is used boiled and fresh, and is used for canning.
The best varieties
Before planting corn in the country in the spring, pay attention to the most popular varieties of this cereal.
- Gourmet 121 - a well-known high-yielding variety, has good resistance to the mosaic virus and other diseases. Early ripening (70-75 days), height up to 150 cm, ear - 20 cm. Suitable for freezing and canning.
- Dobrynya F1 is an early hybrid with a height of up to 170 cm, an ear of up to 25 cm in size. It is highly adaptable to various types of soils, resistant to mosaics, rust, wilting, and is valued for excellent taste.
- Spirit is a consistently high-yielding variety, suitable for many regions. Stem height up to 2 m, ears 20 cm, early ripening.
- Ice nectar - a late variety with good taste, is considered almost the sweetest among its kind. The size of ears is up to 22 cm in length.
- Krasnodar Sugar 250 NE is an early ripening variety giving a stable harvest. The plant is tall, exceeds 2 m in height, ear up to 20 cm. The hybrid is appreciated for an early and guaranteed crop, resistance to disease.
Let us make a reservation once again that in order to get a good harvest, it is necessary to choose a suitable variety, zoned. You need to think about the place and soil before planting corn in the country. In Siberia, for example, as practice shows, Dutch super-early and early varieties grow best (Baby taste, Honey Bentham).
Lighting and soil
Before you begin, you need to learn how to plant corn. In the country (photo - in the article), a sunny place should be allotted for this heat-loving culture, preferably without drafts and constant winds, and stagnation of moisture should be excluded. The culture is demanding on soil fertility, therefore, for a stable and high yield, preliminary (autumn) introduction of manure and humus, mineral fertilizers is necessary.
Sowing begins in late April and early May (depending on the climate zone). This is due to the level of soil warming, a thermophilic culture needs at least + 10 ยฐ , and after the threat of return frosts will be minimal.
Into the ground or seedlings?
It is important to know not only when, but also how to plant corn. If experienced gardeners do not have a problem, then beginners will probably have a choice - to grow seedlings or take a chance and sow immediately in the ground. Definitely difficult to answer. If you plan to allocate a large area for corn, the seedling method will bring a lot of trouble. However, in the case of a small number of plants, using it, it is possible to achieve an earlier ripening period and a stable harvest, which is important in regions with a short summer. Specialists, however, say that plants from seeds planted in the soil quickly catch up with relatives from the windowsill in terms of growth. In any case, before planting corn at the dacha with seedlings or in the soil, grains must first be soaked in a nutrient solution, such as Ideal, a day before hatching.
The second important point is pollination of the plant. It is proved that it goes best with group landings in blocks, that is, instead of two long rows, four should be planted, but shorter.
Plant care
Plant care covers three main factors. Firstly, regular weeding of rows between weeds. Secondly, loosening the soil after rains and watering so that a crust does not form and the roots breathe. This should be done very carefully, since corn has a fairly superficial root system that is easy to damage. Thirdly, mulching the soil. It is necessary in order to prevent excessive evaporation of moisture, and prevents the rapid development of weeds and windy surfaces. It is important to know not only how to plant corn, but also how to care for it. You can often notice how stepsons are walking on the plant from the root. They are recommended to be removed, since you will not have time to remove the crop from them, and they will draw forces from the mother bush.
Watering and fertilizer
One of the important factors for good growth is regular and plentiful watering, especially in a dry summer. An excellent result is given by the drip system, which does not erode the soil, and the plant gradually receives the necessary amount of moisture. At the same time, corn is fed with mineral and organic fertilizers. The first introduction of drugs must be done at the moment when the plant releases 6 full leaves. Use mullein infusion, superphosphate, ammonium nitrate, etc.
Pests and diseases
Sweet and juicy cereal is very attractive to many pests. In particular, for the wireworm (the larva of the nutcracker beetle), they appear just at the time of planting the seeds - May-June. There are a lot of ways to deal with a pest. It is recommended to plow the ground in the fall after freezing begins, and in the spring before planting corn, add ash, lime to acidic soil. In case of severe infection, treat the soil with Pochin, Barguzin or Provotoks preparations.
In addition, throughout the entire growing season, regular treatments are carried out against the flies of the Swedish, corn and meadow moth, bacterial diseases - dust and bladder smut, bacterioses of various etymologies.
Harvesting
If all the work has been done competently, starting with how to plant corn, and ending with watering and weeding, then in the fall you will get a good harvest. The fact that the cobs are ripe and ready to be harvested will be notified to you by the enveloping envelope that begins to turn brown. Ripe cereal grains should be milky, dense, poured. Sugar varieties are not recommended for a long time to store, otherwise they will begin to lose taste. It is best to immediately process them - freezing, canning, eating.