Plant encyclopedia›sweet corn 'Earlibird' (supersweet)

sweet corn 'Earlibird' (supersweet)

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This is the earliest of the ‘Supersweet’ varieties and so great to grow during the British summers. Produces one to two cobs per plant , each of which is approximately 20cm long and super, super sweet! This variety has a good tolerance to cold soil which helps with germination if you are planting ‘in situ’. As with other Supersweet varieties it is best not to grow this with other varieties. Sow: April to May. Sow / plant outside: May. Harvest: August to September

Scientific classification

Species: sweet corn 'Earlibird' (supersweet) (Zea mays 'Earlibird')
Genus: Zea
Family: Poaceae

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Toxicity: Annual Biennial
Plant type: 1.5-2.5 metres
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Columnar upright
Habit: Spring · Summer
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

sweet corn 'Earlibird' (supersweet) pictures

Distribution of sweet corn 'Earlibird' (supersweet)

Distribution map

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of sweet corn 'Earlibird' (supersweet)

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sweet corn 'Earlibird' (supersweet) care guide

Regular deep watering, consistent moisture promotes corn cob formation
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Regular deep watering, consistent moisture promotes corn cob formation

Fertilizing

High-nitrogen grain feed monthly early growth then potassium rich mix

Pruning

No pruning required.

Propagation

Sow seeds undercover from mid-spring in pots or modules and then plant out May - June after hardening off and the last frosts have passed. Alternatively sow 'in situ' from late spring to early summer. Always plant in a grid pattern to ensure pollination. See sowing vegetable seeds

Growing

Grow in a sunny, sheltered spot in soil that has been enriched with well-rotted organic matter. Sweetcorn can tolerate many soil types but prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. As this is a ‘Supersweet’ type, avoid growing next to other varieties to prevent cross pollination if you want the cobs to retain their sweet taste. 'Supersweet' varieties can also be more temperamental so the seeds need to be sown at the correct time, at the correct depth and in the correct temperature - check the packet for more information. Harvest from July to October. See sweetcorn cultivation for futher information.

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