Strawberry Corn

Strawberry Corn — variety description

Strawberry Corn (Zea mays) is an annual vegetable of the grass family (Poaceae). Ornamental maize has recently become super popular among farmers around the world, although the cultivation of such varieties has been known since pre-Columbian times.

Private gardeners and large companies grow bright, unusual types and breed them further. The beautiful plants and coloured cobs are very attractive to look at.

Maize, both ordinary and ornamental, is a source of plant protein, low in fat and more.

Keep in mind that when growing plants in containers and baskets outdoors, they may need more frequent watering than in the yard or garden.

Home-grown sweet corn, boiled or roasted minutes after picking, is incomparably sweeter than shop-bought. Popcorn and ornamental varieties are a pleasure of their own.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 85%
• Seeds per packet: 22–30 pcs (2 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: April and May; direct
• Harvest: August and September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Strawberry Corn

Strawberry Corn seeds are sown in April and May. Harvest in August and September. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Strawberry Corn

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 3–5 cm
• Spacing: 25–30 cm in the row, 60–70 cm between rows
• Germination: 6–10 days at 15–25 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Strawberry corn stalks rarely grow taller than 1 m. With generous feeding, watering and sufficient light, the growth of mature plants can reach 1.5 m. This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in medium to moist conditions and should not be allowed to dry out. To proceed with sowing corn, the soil temperature must have reached a steady 8-10°C. In temperate-climate soil conditions, sowing should be done between 5 April and 5-10 May.

Sow in a block of at least 3–4 rows (rather than one long row) — this improves pollination and the cobs are full. Do not sow within 100 m of other corn if you want a sweet flavour.

Harvest and use

Sweet corn is ready when the silks turn brown and the kernel releases milky juice when pressed. Popcorn varieties stay on the plant until fully dry.

Frequently asked questions

When should Strawberry Corn be sown?

The recommended sowing months are April and May. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 22–30 seeds, pack size 2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 85%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Why are the cobs not full?

Most often from poor pollination — sow in a square block, not in a single row.