sweetcorn

[simionb1]

Hi
I am sewing some sweet corn seeds and when reading information on the subject I see that two seeds should be planted in each module and when they sprout remove the weakest one but it doesn't say why - does anyone know why you should remove the weakest one ?
and would it make any difference if I only planted one seed per module and thirdly what would happen if I planted two seeds per module and left them both to grow ?
All info greatly appreciated
Regards
Simon

[zazen999]

Please don't - you are about a month early.

When you do - plant one seed per module and plant the best ones in the space you have.

[rustylady]

Two seeds per module would be too crowded if you left both to grow. I think the above advice is in case one of the seeds doesn't germinate.

I chit my seeds by soaking overnight and then sealing inside a plastic box with a piece of damp kitchen roll on the bottom. As soon as you see a shoot emerge from the seed, put it into a small pot of compost and grow on.

By the way, I don't know where you are but in my opinion it's too early to be sowing sweetcorn.

[Feral007]

I'm picking and eating mine today.

You can sew two and choose the strongest, but if you are a wuss like me you won't be able to throw out the weakest one anyway! So just do your best.

[polc1410]

Planting 1 per module: some might not germinate and you'll have empty modules. Some will germinate but with a weak seedling that will never make it in the real world. If you are only growing corn then the space may not be an issue but most people have a limit on their seedling space (windowsills, greenhouses etc are finite areas) and so having empty modules doesn't help. In addition empty modules may grow mould, algae or weeds at some stage...

Who's corn are you looking at? Some varieties are more reliable and may advise sowing 1 per module as almost certain to germinate.

Leaving both in is the worst plan. They will compete with each other for nutrients and neither will flourish.

Wilko would sell you 40 seeds of Incredible F1 for �1.60, or 20 Bodacious for the same price. The incredible only need planted in twos if planting outdoors.

You should get at least 1 cob for each plant so if you plant Incredible F1 you can have 20 cobs for �1.60 planting outdoors. Thats 8p each. You'll pay 99p for 4 at the height of the season and yours will taste better as they'll be fresh harvested. It doesn't feel worth reducing the cost per cob to 4p when you look at it like that!

[Two_Sheds]

I am sewing some sweet corn seeds and when reading information on the subject ...

... does it say to sow in mid March? *just wondering*

[MartinRSharpe]

What polc1410 said.

The germination rates are usually greater than 50% so it means you are not likely to get any empty modules.

Another option is some damp paper towel, put in a propagator (keeping it warm and moist) and they will sprout. Then plan the sprouting ones into modules or toilet roll tubes.

[MartinRSharpe]

Also remember to plant in blocks rather than rows if doing it in the garden.

I'm also going to try some in a large tub in the back of the greenhouse this year in addition to the normal block of them in the garden.

[MarkHackwell]

It seems a bit early to sow them yet but it all depends where you are in the world I prefer to sow mine into 3 inchs so they have room to grow on but I only sow 1 to each pot as I hate having to waist seedlings. I might even consider using roottrainers this year :P.

[scarey55]

Simon, I have merged the two threads on this subject as you are getting most replies in this one.

[simionb1]

Many thanks for all the great advice
I am in Surrey and not planting out yet maybe late May early June
We have a south facing conservatory so I thought I would start them off there for head start
before moving them on to the allotment - Hope they don't get too big!

[rustylady]

No Simion, it's far too early to sow them - they will certainly get too big if you sow them now. Stick to the advice on the seed packet.

Welcome to the Vine by the way. Could you please add your location (Surrey) to your profile then it will show up on your posts.

[zazen999]

Many thanks for all the great advice
I am in Surrey and not planting out yet maybe late May early June
We have a south facing conservatory so I thought I would start them off there for head start
before moving them on to the allotment - Hope they don't get too big!

They only need to be sown about 2-3 weeks before planting out - they grow really fast once they get started. If you sow now they will sulk as it's just far too cold for them.

[MarkHackwell]

I like everyone else would sow them 2 - 3 weeks before wanting to plant them out as you can't pot them on as they dislike root disturbance and there's also the risk they would get too big for the pit they are in.

[Yorkshire.Dave]

Just ordered some of the F1 seeds, Going to try them for the first time this year :-)