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Zea mays var. saccharata

Zuckermais

Common names: Süßmais, Gemüsemais

Zuckermais

This description was machine-translated.

Description

Zea mays var. saccharata, commonly known as sweet corn, is a vegetable variety of maize that produces tender, sweet ears suitable for grilling and cooking. It is wind‑pollinated, so it should be planted in blocks of several short rows rather than a single long row to ensure even pollination. In a Three Sisters garden, it provides support for beans and shade for pumpkins.

Care instructions

Plant from early April or sow from mid‑May (week 20) directly into a block of at least four rows for optimal pollination. Water generously, especially during flowering and ear development, and lightly support the stalks to keep them wind‑resistant. Harvest when the silks turn brown and a pressed kernel releases milky white juice, this indicates peak sweetness.

Soil & site

Soil pH

4.0pH 6–78.0

Soil type

loamy, humus-rich, well-drained, nutrient-rich

LightFull sun
HardinessFrost-sensitive
Crop rotationGrasses
Water needHigh

Feeding

Heavy feeder

Companion planting

Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.

Diseases & pests

1 relevant

From the knowledge base, automatically linked by affected species. How to spot and prevent them is covered in full in the lexicon.

DeficiencymediumApr–Sep
Nitrogen deficiency

Stickstoff-Mangel

Nitrogen deficiency arises when plants cannot take up enough plant available nitrogen from the soil, usually on exhausted or sandy ground.

More on Nitrogen deficiency

Notes from real gardens

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