How to Grow Corn in Containers
Burpee's 'On Deck Hybrid Corn"
If you have limited gardening space you may have assumed that you cannot grow sweet corn. The good news is that you can grow corn in containers on the deck or along the foundation of your home. The corn shown above is a special hybrid corn developed for containers and was introduced by Burpee Seeds. While you do not need to grow this variety, there are some things you should look for if you want to try your hand at growing corn in a container.
- Choose a corn variety with a height of 4 to 5 feet. Taller corn requires more room for the roots and may not hold up well in containers.
- Choose corn with a short days to maturity. The On Deck Hybrid Corn ripens in just 61 to 63 days. Shorter days to maturity means fewer days to care for the corn in containers and earlier harvests for you.
- Plant 5 to 9 kernels in each container. Burpee's recommends 9 kernels per a 24-inch diameter pot. If you are using a smaller container or bucket, plant fewer seeds.
- Place containers in full sun.
- Water the container thoroughly to saturate the soil whenever the soil dries. During hot, dry weather you may need to water your containers every day as soil in containers dries quicker than the soil in your garden.
- Apply water-soluble fertilizer to your containers about 10 weeks after planting. Use the health of your corn plants as you guide for supplemental fertilizer as the fertilizer leaches through the bottom of the pot with repeated watering. You may need to provide supplemental fertilizer on a 10 to 14 cycle.
- Harvest your container corn when the silk has turned dark brown or black and the kernels are plump.