Double Red Sweet Corn – MIg

Description

Double Red Sweet Corn is a striking heirloom sweet corn variety prized for its beautiful deep red to burgundy kernels and naturally sweet flavor. The ears are attractive both fresh and cooked, with tender kernels that are excellent for grilling, boiling, steaming, roasting, salads, salsas, and fresh corn dishes. This warm-season crop requires good sunlight, regular moisture, and adequate nutrition to produce well-filled ears. It performs best in the UAE when grown during the milder growing windows.

When to Plant in the UAE

• Early September: Direct sow outdoors as temperatures begin to moderate after the summer heat. This is an excellent window for autumn corn production, allowing plants to mature during the cooler months.
• Early March: Direct sow outdoors for the spring growing season. The crop can develop during the mild spring weather before the arrival of intense summer heat.
• Avoid: Peak summer planting, as extreme temperatures can reduce germination, interfere with pollination, and lead to poorly filled ears.

Planting & Care Tips

• Light & Soil: Grow in full sun in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost and organic matter.
• Depth & Germination: Sow seeds 2–4 cm deep. Germination typically occurs within 5–10 days in warm soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 20–30 cm apart, with 60–75 cm between rows.
• Pollination: Plant in blocks or several short rows rather than a single row to improve wind pollination and encourage well-filled ears.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during tasseling, silking, and ear development. Avoid drought stress during flowering and fruit development.
• Feeding: Add compost before planting and apply a balanced fertilizer during active growth. Corn is a heavy feeder and benefits from adequate nitrogen.
• Support: Tall plants may benefit from protection from strong winds, particularly in exposed growing areas.
• Harvest: Ears are typically ready approximately 75–90 days after sowing, when the silks turn brown and dry and the kernels are plump and filled.
• Harvesting Tips: Harvest when the kernels are at the milk stage for the best sweetness and tenderness. Pick ears in the morning and use them soon after harvesting for the freshest flavor.