Essential Information
Sweet corn , a delectable and alimentary delicacy , is a staple crop in Jamaica . Its cultivation requires specific techniques and considerations to insure optimal growth and return . This comprehensive guide will provide you with all theessential knowledgeand best practices for growingsweet cornsuccessfully in the Jamaican mood .
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
perfumed corn thrive in well - drained , sandy loam grease with a pH between 5.8 and 6.8 . select a site with sizeable sunlight and protection fromstrong wind . fix the soil by absent weeds , tilling to a depth of 12 - 18 inches , andadding organic mattersuch as compost or manure .
Variety Selection
Varioussweet Indian corn varietiesare suitable forJamaican condition . opt hybrids that are accommodate to the local climate and repellent to vernacular pestilence and diseases . Some popular potpourri let in Sugar Baby , Jubilee , and Silver Queen .
Planting and Spacing
Plant odorous maize seeded player directly in the stain when thetemperature reaches60 ° F ( 16 ° C ) . Sow seeds 1 - 2inches deepand 9 inch asunder inrows spaced3 feet apart . weewee the seeds exhaustively after plant .
Watering and Fertilization
body of water sweet Indian corn on a regular basis , especially during hot , ironical conditions . forefend overwatering , as it can lead to base rot . Fertilize the plants with abalanced fertilizerevery 2 - 3 week .
Pest and Disease Management
Sweet corn is susceptible to various pests and disease , including corn whiskey earworms , armyworm , andcorn smut . Regularly inspect plant for preindication of infestation and apply appropriate ascendency measures . Use organic pesticides or insecticide as call for .
Pollination and Silking
Sweet edible corn is wind - pollinated . Once the tassel ( virile flowers ) at the top of theplants release pollen , it is carried by the wind to the silks ( female flowers ) on the ears . Successful pollination results in the development of kernels .
Harvesting
glean sweet corn when the kernels are chubby and milklike . The husks should betightly wrappedaround the ear . Peel back the stalk and check the heart to ensure they arefully developedand ship’s boat .
Storing and Preserving
stack away fresh sweet corn in the icebox for up to 5 days . Topreserve sweet cornfor longer stop , blanch the ear inboiling waterfor 2 - 3 minutes , then freeze or can them .
In a nutshell: Thriving Sweet Corn in Jamaica
Growing sweet maize in Jamaica is a rewarding try that requires careful planning and execution . By following the techniques outlined in this template , you cansuccessfully cultivatethis delightful and alimentary crop in your own garden . retrieve to tailor your practices to thespecific conditionsof your growing environment and enjoy the odoriferous rewards of your harvest time .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : When is the just time toplant honeyed cornin Jamaica?A : Sweet cornshould be planted when thesoil temperature reaches60 ° F ( 16 ° coulomb ) , typically during the give or summertime month . Q : How often should I irrigate sweet Indian corn plants?A : urine sweet corn whisky regularly , especially during hot , dry weather . Aim to keep thesoil consistently moistbut not waterlogged . Q : What arecommon pestsand disease thataffect sweet cornin Jamaica?A : Common gadfly include clavus earworms , armyworms , and aphids . Common diseases let in corn smut and rust . Q : How can Iprevent birdsfrom eating my sweet corn?A : insure the ears withbird nettingor usereflective tapeto deter birds . Q : Can Igrow sweet cornin containers?A : Yes , you cangrow sweet corninlarge containerswith well - drained territory andample sunlight . However , the proceeds may be smaller than when maturate in the ground .
