Picasso Corn

$4.29

Synergistic (sy) is the name for a recent type of hybrid sweet corn. Using traditional corn hybridization, breeders have been able to combine more than one genetic line so the end result is 25% supersweet (sh2), 25% sugary extender (se), and 50% sugary (su). Picasso sweet corn takes the best breeding from three lines of genetics to produce a high performance bi-colour cob with both gold and white kernels. The tassels are bright pink while the husk and leaves are streaked with red to the plants are highly ornamental while growing. Perhaps best of all, synergistic hybrid corn does not require isolation from other varieties, so it’s a great choice for community gardens and market growers alike. The ears are well filled and average 20cm (8″) long.

Matures in 75 days. (Hybrid seeds).

Out of stock

Description

Synergistic (sy) is the name for a recent type of hybrid sweet corn. Using traditional corn hybridization, breeders have been able to combine more than one genetic line so the end result is 25% supersweet (sh2), 25% sugary extender (se), and 50% sugary (su). Picasso sweet corn takes the best breeding from three lines of genetics to produce a high performance bi-colour cob with both gold and white kernels. The tassels are bright pink while the husk and leaves are streaked with red to the plants are highly ornamental while growing. Perhaps best of all, synergistic hybrid corn does not require isolation from other varieties, so it’s a great choice for community gardens and market growers alike. The ears are well filled and average 20cm (8″) long.

Matures in 75 days. (Hybrid seeds).

Approximately 50 Seeds

Difficulty
Moderately challenging

Season & Zone
Season: Warm season
Exposure: Full-sun

Timing

Direct sow in late spring. If the soil is not warm enough, seeds often rot before sprouting – especially when not treated with fungicide. Untreated corn seeds should be planted only when the soil has warmed up above 18°C (65°F) – warmer for super-sweet (sh2) types, and even warmer for a good stand. Use a soil thermometer. If spring weather is cold, consider planting in flats or individual pots, indoors with bottom heat, for transplanting. Seeds should germinate in 7-10 days. If it rains after planting and corn does not emerge, just re-plant the area.

Starting

Do not soak corn seeds prior to planting. Plant 2-5cm (1-2″) deep (shallower for sh2 seed or in cool soil). Sow seeds around 7.5cm (3″) apart, in rows 60-90cm (24-36″) apart. Because corn is wind pollinated, plant in a dense block of at least 4 rows, rather than in single rows. This increases the chance of corn pollen, which emerges from male flowers at the growing tip, to fall down onto the receptive female silks that extend from each corn cob.

Growing

Ideal pH: 5.8-6.8. Corn is a heavy feeder, so add manure or compost, and use 500g (1 lb) of complete organic fertilizer per 6m (60′) of row, mixing it thoroughly into the soil beneath each seed furrow. Thin to at least 20-25cm (8-10″) apart in the row. Large eared and double-eared varieties need to be 30cm (24″) apart. Keep free of weeds until knee-high, and then leave it alone.
Use the days to maturity listed for comparative purposes among the varieties only – every garden may be different.

Days to Maturity: From direct sowing.
Harvest

When the silks at the end of an ear are a dry brown, the cob seems to start to droop, and the kernels release milky juice when cut.

Harvesting Popcorn

Leave the ears of popcorn varieties on the plants to dry as long as possible into late summer and early fall. The husks should turn yellow/brown as they dry and the kernels should harden. Once the plants appear to be completely dry, or if wet weather is in the forecast, harvest the ears and bring them indoors. Remove the husks. Store the ears in mesh bags in a warm, dry, airy location. The ideal humidity level for curing popcorn is 13 to 14%. Curing is the process after drying that allows for long term storage of popcorn kernels. Once a week, remove a few kernels and try popping them. Popcorn that is chewy or kernels that have jagged edges after popping both mean that the kernels are not dry enough. Continue curing and test-popping until the desired texture is reached. Then remove the kernels and store them in an air-tight container.

About West Coast Seeds

West Coast Seeds  was founded in 1983 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Our purpose is to source and supply seeds of a higher quality than have been available to home gardeners. Following the traditions of organic farming and gardening, untreated and certified organic seeds are our focus. West Coast Seeds is certified by the Pacific Agriculture Certification Society (Certification number 16-205).

 

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