Corn : Silver Queen

Very dependable, 8.5" ears, tolerant of leaf blights and Stewart's Wilt

One of the most popular and dependable hybrid sweet corns developed. Ears are 8-1/2" long, filled with 14 to 16 rows of sweet white kernels. Stalks average about 7-1/2'. Tolerant of the majority of leaf blights and of Stewart's wilt. Has some drought tolerance and better insect resistance than other hybrids. Seeds germinate poorly in cold soil, so don't rush the season! Early plantings can be started by setting out transplants or by pre-sprouting seeds. Wide adaptability and well suited for the Mid- Atlantic.

Poaceae Zea mays

This is an example of the timeline you would see based on your growing conditions.

Corn: Standard / Hybrid (su-1)

Silver Queen

Corn is one of the few crops in which hybridization has made a big difference. Hybrids are superior to non-hybrids in that they mature more uniformly and are often sweeter. Unfortunately, you can't save the seed of a hybrid, as they don't come true to the type. This type is sometimes referred to as Normal Sugary or (su), to differentiate it from other types now available.

Basics

Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Annual
Days to Maturity: 90 (Spring/Summer)
Growing Habit: -
Hardiness: Tender

Corn is a tropical grass and needs warm weather. It is not at all hardy.
Crops: Spring Transplant, Spring, Summer
Growing Season: Long
Cultivar Type: -
Growing Conditions: Warm, Hot

Corn is a sub-tropical plant and uses C4 photosynthesis, which enables it to grow more efficiently in high heat and light levels. It needs warm weather and as much sunlight as it can get.

Sweet Corn can be grown in an intensive bed, but it must be in a large block for best pollination. There must be at least a group of 12 plants to insure good pollination.

It is a tall growing plant, so must be planted where it won't shade other plants.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 50°F - 95°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 60°F

Corn needs a warm soil for good germination. It will take 3 weeks to germinate at 50 degrees, but only 4 days at 80 degrees.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: Yes
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot)

Corn uses an especially efficient form of photosynthesis that enables it to grow rapidly in the high intensity light and heat of the tropics. It should be placed in the sunniest spot in the garden.
Water: Moderate

The best way to irrigate is with a soaker hose or a drip system. Don't use sprinklers during the pollen shedding stage, as it may affect pollination.
Feeder: Heavy

Corn is a notoriously hungry plant, which isn't surprising when you consider how fast it can grow. For best growth it needs generous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as all of the other plant nutrients.
Suitability: Drought tolerant, High heat, Needs lots of space
Small Gardens?: No
Containers?: Yes, but will need a large one, like a half wine barrel

It is possible to grow corn in a large container of fertile soil, but it's probably not worthwhile. Be aware that you won't get much for the space it takes up, and you will have to hand pollinate such a small number of plants.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Color: Yellow
Fruit Size: 8.0 - 9.0"
Plant Height: 84.0 - 96.0"
Plant Diameter: 12.0 - 18.0"
Hardiness Zone: 3-11
Disease Resistance: Tolerant to most leaf blights and Stewart's wilt
Taste Profile
Rotation Group: Soil Builders and Cleaners: Legumes + Corn + Potatoes

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Plant Guide

Corn : Silver Queen

Very dependable, 8.5" ears, tolerant of leaf blights and Stewart's Wilt

Silver Queen

Basics