Xtra Tender 274A Sweet Corn Seeds

Xtra Tender 274A Sweet Corn Seed

Price: $3.89

Quick Facts:

Plant Features

Xtra Tender 274A sweet corn is a bicolor variety with deep kernels and excellent cold tolerance, producing 8" ears ideal for fresh markets.

Sweet 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 Sweet 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.

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Xtra Tender 274A Sweet Corn Seed