Firecracker popcorn is a vibrant multi-colored variety with striking red stalks and compact, colorful ears. The kernels pop into light, crisp flakes and are also great for ornamental purposes. Whether for popping or fall decorations, Firecracker adds a unique burst of color to your garden.
Corn Sowing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow sweet corn seeds outdoors once the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F, typically in late spring, after the last frost date.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Corn benefits from rich, well-draining soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8–10 inches, incorporating compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Sweet corn is a heavy feeder and will benefit from nutrient-rich soil.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds about 1 inch deep, spacing them 8–12 inches apart in rows.
- For optimal pollination, plant in blocks (multiple short rows) rather than a single long row.
- Thinning: Once seedlings reach 3–4 inches in height, thin to about 12 inches apart if needed, to allow each plant enough space for growth and reduce competition.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically takes 7–10 days. Once plants are established, water deeply, providing about 1 inch of water per week, especially during dry spells and when plants begin to tassel.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Corn is usually sown directly outdoors, but if starting indoors, begin 2–3 weeks before the last frost date to avoid extended indoor growth.
- Containers: Use deep pots or biodegradable pots to prevent root disturbance during transplanting.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1 inch deep, placing 1 seed per pot.
- Cover lightly with soil mix and water gently.
- Germination:
- Keep temperatures around 70–75°F for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 5–7 days.
- Thinning: Not required for indoor sowing if only one seed per pot.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors once soil temperatures reach 60°F and all risk of frost has passed. Plant seedlings 12 inches apart, spacing rows 30–36 inches apart to ensure adequate airflow.
General Care Tips for Corn
- Sunlight: Provide full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Watering: Water deeply and consistently, aiming to keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and ear formation. Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilizing: Corn is a heavy feeder; apply a balanced fertilizer when planting and side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer when plants reach 12 inches in height and again when they start to tassel.
- Weeding: Keep the area around corn free of weeds, which can compete for nutrients and water. Mulching helps reduce weed growth and maintain soil moisture.
- Pollination: Sweet corn is wind-pollinated. For best results, plant in blocks rather than single rows to encourage cross-pollination, ensuring well-filled ears.
