Water Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist. Water deeply once or twice a week, aiming for about 2.5 cm of water. During dry spells, you might need to water more frequently. Adding a layer of mulch around your plants can help retain moisture.
Sunlight Needs: Choose a sunny spot in your garden. Sweetcorn loves sunlight and needs at least 6 hours of direct sun daily to thrive.
Time to Germinate: You'll see seedlings in about 7-14 days. Be patient and keep the soil moist during this time.
Seed Soaking: For a head start, soak your seeds in water overnight before planting. This can help them sprout more quickly.
Planting Recommendations: It's best to sow sweetcorn seeds directly in your garden. Plant them about 2 cm deep. If you prefer to start in pots, use biodegradable ones that can be planted directly into the ground to minimize root disturbance.
Space Requirements: Give your corn plants room to grow. Space them about 20-30 cm apart in rows. For good pollination, plant in blocks of at least 4 rows rather than a single long row.
Temperature Tips: Sweetcorn loves warm weather, which makes it well-suited to Thailand's climate. It grows best when temperatures are between 20-30°C.
Best Growing Season: In Thailand, you can grow sweetcorn year-round. However, planting at the start of the rainy season (around May-June) can take advantage of natural rainfall. You can also plant a second crop around October-November.
Time to Harvest: Your sweetcorn will be ready to harvest in about 70-100 days, depending on the variety. You'll know it's time when the silks have turned brown and dry. To check, gently pierce a kernel - if it releases a milky liquid, it's perfect for picking!
