F1 sweet corn Darling 10

Overview

Darling 10 is an F1 hybrid sweet corn in Zinbioseed's corn seed range. As an F1 hybrid it grows vigorously and uniformly, giving an even, dependable crop.

Sweet corn is picked at the milk stage, when its kernels are full of sugar. It sells fresh in markets and supermarkets, is grilled or boiled as a snack, and is used by processors for canned and frozen kernels.

Key features

• Tender, sweet kernels for fresh and processing markets
• Ready to pick about 70 days after sowing
• F1 hybrid vigour: strong, uniform plants and consistent produce

Growing guide

1. IsolationPlant at least 200–300 m from field or waxy corn, or stagger sowing by 2–3 weeks, so stray pollen does not make the kernels starchy.
2. SowingSow 1–2 seeds per hill, 2–3 cm deep, into warm, moist soil and thin to one plant per hill.
3. FertiliserApply manure and phosphorus at sowing, then side-dress nitrogen and potassium at the 3–4-leaf and 7–9-leaf stages and before tasselling, earthing up the rows each time.
4. Water and pestsKeep the soil moist from tasselling to silking, when drought costs the most yield, and scout the whorls for fall armyworm and stem borer.
5. HarvestPick 18–22 days after silking, when the kernels are plump and release milky juice. Sugar turns to starch quickly after picking, so cool and sell the ears promptly.