Late Sweetcorn

[Frana]

I know it is June and it is probably a bit late, but i have just sown some sweetcorn seeds. I have sown them in a heated propagator to give them a bit of a boost.

Any offers or advice on what my success rate may be with such a late sowing, and will the propagator help much?

[binley100]

I didn't sow them till late June last year and still got a reasonable crop. They weren't in a prop they were just on the garden table. (obviously in pots with compost )

[Two_Sheds]

No need for a heated prop in this weather.

Sow an "early" (that means early maturing, ie quick) if your season is on the short side

[Jeanied]

Do you have any varieties in mind that are early, Two Sheds - I've not noticed that written on the packets of seeds before now.

[Two_Sheds]

I've nicked this info from gardencentre.org for you:

F1 varieties have made it possible to grow sweet corn in cooler areas of the UK.
There are early-, midseason- and late-maturing types – the late-maturing are taller and the cobs are often larger than early-maturing varieties, but always choose an early-maturing type if conditions are less than ideal.

John Innes Hybrid: First choice for many gardeners – early, reliable and vigorous with medium-sized cobs.
Early Xtra Sweet: A little later, but very popular because the grains have at least twice as much sugar as standard varieties. The cobs are large but there is a precaution – do not grow near any other variety as cross pollination spoils the flavour.
First of All: One of the very early ones – highly recommended for table and exhibition, especially in areas north of the Midlands. The medium-sized cobs are about 6in (15cm) long.
Earliking: Medium height with large cobs. An early variety with a good reputation for sweetness – a popular choice, especially in northern areas.
Early Arctic: A new one, claimed by the suppliers to crop 7 days before Earliking.
North Star: The cobs are large, and most experts recommend this one for maximum reliability in northern districts and in cold and wet summers.
Polar Vee: Another variety which is recommended for northern growers. Alternatively you can choose Northern Belle for the less-favoured areas.
Kandy Kob: Like Early Xtra Sweet, an early variety with an abnormally high sugar content.
Tokay Sugar: An odd one – as early and almost as sweet as Early Xtra Sweet but the kernels are pure white.
Kelvedon Sweetheart: A new variety which is claimed to be an improvement on Earliking.
Kelvedon Glory: The most popular of the midseason varieties. A heavy cropper, producing well-filled 7-8in (17-20cm) the kernels are pale yellow. Recommended for its flavour.
Sundance: A midseason variety which is claimed to be an improvement on the better-known Kelvedon Glory.

[Jeanied]

Right - when this cat lets me get up I'm off to the garden centre! I sowed my favourite Incredible but I'm down to about 20 plants after damping off and slugs slicing through them.

[greasyfire]

I only have four plant left, i wonder if i shuld by some plants.

[Jeanied]

It may be a good idea Greasyfire - you need to grow them in a block to cross pollinate well.

[flighty1]

I don't know if this link is of any use, but it refers to a sweetcorn called Sugar Buns which they advise as being the earliest of all the corn varieties

Seeds, Herbs and Bedding Plants from Kings Seeds  mmmm