Sweetcorn 'Lark' F1 Hybrid (Tendersweet)

Start off in 7.5cm (3") pots indoors and plant out in your vegetable plot. Fill pots with good, free-draining, damp, seed compost. Sow seeds 2cm (3/4") deep in the compost. Place the pots in a propagator or seal inside a polythene bag and keep at around 18-24C (64-75F) until the seeds germinate. This will take about 7-10 days. Don't exclude light as this helps germination.

Before planting out, prepare the soil by raking until it is fine and crumbly, removing any large stones. Acclimatise the plants to cooler conditions by putting them outside for a few hours a day for 10 - 14 days. Plant out when all risk of frost has passed, 35cm (14") apart between each plant and between each row to form a block as sweetcorn are wind pollinated, although gently shaking the plants when the tassels at the top of the plant are laden with pollen can help the process.

Water sweetcorn plants regularly until established, particularly during dry periods. Provide a thick mulch of organic matter around the base of the plants to help conserve moisture and reduce weed growth. Sweetcorn plants are shallow rooted so take care when hoeing to prevent root damage. Harvest sweetcorn cobs when the silky tassles at the end of the cob have turned brown. Peel back the sheath of the cob slightly and press the corn kernels with a fingernail until liquid squeezes out. If liquid is milky coloured then the cob is ripe, if clear then it is under-ripe, if thick then the cob has become starchy and passed its best

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

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