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Annual BiennialGrass Like

Zea mays 'Mainstay'

sweet corn 'Mainstay'

A strong, midseason variety of sweetcorn producing large cobs that mature from late summer

Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Brown Green
Autumn Brown Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Poaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

A genus of five, large, flowering plants the grass family. The most important species, Zea mays is widely cultivated food crop. Male flowers are borne in large, terminal inflorescences (tassels) and female flowers are hidden in clusters in the leaf axils

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant out hardened off plants after the last frosts. Arrange the plants in a grid pattern, 35cm apart, as this will aid wind pollination. Cobs are ready to harvest when the tassels turn brown and the kernels exude a milky fluid if pierced with a thumbnail. See Sweetcorn cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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