Corn, Ashworth Sweet

  Corn, Ashworth Sweet

Heirloom. Organic. Unique among open-pollinated corn varieties. Fred Ashworth called it “rat selected” because it came from the bin of sweet corn strains most preferred by rats. Maturing with the first of the early hybrids, Ashworth gives rise to plump, well-filled, 6-7” ears of bright-yellow corn with the best of old-fashioned corn flavor. Pay close attention after half-silk as it must be harvested on time for optimum sweetness. Ashworth Sweet Corn has a fantastic sweet flavor that is great for fresh eating or freezing.  This has been the family standard for sweet corn for generations now and there is a good reason for that.  Ashworth Sweet Corn is reliable, adaptable and very sweet for an open pollinated heirloom corn

Planting Ashworth Sweet Corn

While starting seeds of the Ashworth Sweet Corn is not necessarily difficult, the right conditions will make the process successful. Sow Ashworth Sweet Corn seeds directly in the ground in the spring when the threat of frost has passed. Keep the ground moist but not wet for the first couple of weeks. Pick a sunny, well-drained spot for planting for the best performance. Prefers a well-drained fertile soil in a sunny position.  Heirloom / Open Pollinated Ashworth Sweet Corn are hot weather loving plants that prefer well drained loose soil and an even amount of water. Plant heirloom Ashworth Sweet Corn in rows or hills but make sure the soil is well warmed.  Plant seeds ½ - 1" deep. Plant seeds or set out heirloom watermelon transplants in full sun. For rows plant 6-12" apart, in rows 6-10' apart. For hills plant 4-6 seeds per hill, in 1' diameter hills, with hills 6-10' apart. Germination should occur in 5-10 days in soil 70-85°F. In hills thin to 2 plants per hill. In rows thin plants to or set out transplants 6-8" apart.

Height: 5-6’  Plants   Spacing: 6-8" inches, 12 inches between rows Depth: ½ to 1  inch Germination: 5-10 days

Starting from Seed Indoors.

Generally, Corn is grown directly into the soil and not transplanted from starters.

Direct-seeding into the Garden.

Turn over the area you've selected to a depth of approximately 2 inches. Rake the area until it's level and smooth. Water the area until the soil is damp but not saturated. Scatter the seeds in the area. Gently rake the area to distribute the seeds further and protect them from birds. Or, press the seeds into the soil and cover with no more than 1 inch of soil. You can also place 2 to 3 seeds every 6 to 8 inches in rows approximately 8-12 inches apart, and cover seeds with 1 inch of soil. Place planting stakes around the area so you will know where to water. Check on your seeds about once a day. Make sure to mist the soil whenever it appears dry. Germination for the Corn plants is approximately 5 to 10 days, depending on the warmth of the soil.   

Germination Problems

Growing plants from seeds successfully depends on a lot of factors and this makes it impossible to guarantee success on every batch of seeds planted.  Factors include, soil composition, PH, temperature, moisture levels, seed depth, soil density, seed viability, seed storage and many others.  We tested the germination of all our seeds and this seed variety is around 80%, but your results may vary based on exactly how you plant and all the environmental factors.  Good luck.