Bimbo F1 Sweetcorn Seedlings

The 'Bimbo' F1 sweet corn is an early hybrid variety that produces beautiful yellow cobs, approximately 17cm (7in) long. The corn kernels can be eaten raw in salads or grilled on the barbecue with a knob of butter! The plug plants of 'Bimbo' F1 sweet corn are produced using organic methods and should be planted in June and July. Harvesting takes place from July to October.

 Sweet corn, also known as sweetcorn or sugar corn, is an annual grass plant belonging to the Poaceae family.

With stems reaching over 2 metres (7 feet) in height, sweet corn is interesting to grow along the edges of a vegetable garden to provide protection from the wind and some shade. It is important, however, to plant multiple rows of corn or grow them in a square to encourage good pollination. The pollen from the male flowers (at the top of the stem) will fall onto the female flowers located lower on the stem. This fertilization can occur naturally with the wind or intentionally by shaking the plants.

Sweet corn varieties can be consumed raw in salads, boiled, roasted in the oven, or grilled on the barbecue. Other varieties, known as "popping corn," can be used to make popcorn. Energetic and nutritious, sweet corn is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins A, B, C, E, and minerals (magnesium, phosphorus, potassium).

Harvesting: Sweet corn cobs should be harvested from July to October. Regular observation of the cobs will help determine the right time to harvest. The cobs are ripe when the silks (long hairs) start to turn brown. The kernels should be well-formed but still tender and milky when crushed. Cut the corn cob with secateurs or twist it off by hand.

Storage: After harvesting, remove the green husk that surrounds the cobs. Freshly picked corn cobs should be consumed promptly to prevent the kernels from becoming too starchy. For longer storage, you can preserve the corn or freeze it.

Gardening tip: Practice the "three sisters" cultivation: corn, beans, and squash. When the corn plants reach a height of 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in), sow 2 to 3 climbing bean seeds and 2 squash seeds at the base of each corn plant. The corn will serve as a trellis for the climbing beans, and the beans will provide the nitrogen needed by the corn. Planting squash will help control weeds and keep the soil cool.