Silver Queen is a variety of white sweet corn that is known for its deliciously sweet and tender kernels. If you’re considering growing Silver Queen in your garden, you may be wondering how long it takes for this corn to reach maturity. Well, on average, Silver Queen sweet corn has a growing season of approximately 78 days to maturity.
During this time, you’ll be able to witness the transformation of your Silver Queen sweet corn plants from tiny seeds to towering stalks that can reach heights of 84 to 95 inches. It’s truly a fascinating process to observe, and it’s also incredibly rewarding to eventually harvest your own homegrown corn.
The journey of growing Silver Queen sweet corn begins by sowing the seeds in well-prepared soil, typically in late spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up and there is no longer a risk of frost. The seeds should be planted about 1-2 inches deep and spaced approximately 8-12 inches apart in rows that are 30-36 inches apart.
Once the seeds are in the ground, they will begin to germinate and emerge as seedlings within 7-10 days, depending on the temperature and soil conditions. The seedlings will then start to grow rapidly, sending up shoots and developing their first leaves.
As the plants continue to grow, they will start to form tassels at their tops, which are the male flowers of the corn plant. These tassels release pollen, which is necessary for pollination. The pollination process is crucial for the development of the ears of corn, as each kernel on the cob is formed from a separate silk strand that needs to be pollinated by the pollen from the tassels.
After pollination, the ears of corn will begin to develop and mature. The ears are typically ready for harvest when the kernels are filled out and the silks have turned brown. This usually occurs around 78 days after planting, but it’s important to keep an eye on your corn plants and make sure to check the readiness of the ears by gently peeling back the husk and inspecting the kernels.
It’s worth noting that the exact timing of maturity can vary depending on growing conditions, such as temperature, rainfall, and sunlight. Additionally, different varieties of corn may have slightly different maturity dates. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to consult the specific seed packet or seed catalog for the most accurate information regarding the maturity of the Silver Queen sweet corn variety you are growing.
In my personal experience, growing Silver Queen sweet corn has been a satisfying and enjoyable endeavor. There’s something magical about watching the plants grow taller and stronger each day, knowing that soon you’ll be able to enjoy the bountiful harvest of sweet and juicy corn. It’s a process that requires patience and care, but the end result is well worth the effort.
To summarize, the growing season for Silver Queen sweet corn is approximately 78 days to maturity. During this time, the corn plants will grow to heights of 84-95 inches, and the ears of corn will develop and mature. By closely monitoring the plants and checking for the readiness of the ears, you’ll be able to harvest your own delicious homegrown Silver Queen sweet corn.
