Kettle Corn

Corn

Zone 11b Save Garden

🌱 90d to harvest Upright

Sweet, nutty fragrance rises from the kernels as they heat—Kettle Corn is bred for that classic “just-popped” aroma with a balanc…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Apr 1st
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Tyria Cucumber

Armenian Dark Green Cucumber

Summer Dance Cucumber

National Pickling Cucumber

Regal F1 Cucumber

Ashley Cucumber

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest is most likely to damage Zea mays var. saccharata (sweet corn), and how can I control it?

Earworms (corn earworm/bollworm) commonly bore into sweet corn ears, leaving frass and ragged silks. Check daily once silks emerge, remove and discard damaged ears, and apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) targeted to corn earworm when silks are fresh (repeat as directed on the label). Keep the area weeded and avoid letting late ears sit longer than necessary, since damaged ears attract more moths.

How often should I water sweet corn during the main growing phase?

During tassel and ear development, keep the soil consistently moist with about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week, adjusted for rainfall. Water deeply 2–3 times per week rather than frequent light sprinkling, so moisture reaches the deeper root zone. If the soil dries and ears begin to form, pollination suffers—aim for even moisture from silking through early kernel fill.

How do I tell when sweet corn is ready to harvest (Zeа mays var. saccharata)?

Harvest when silks turn brown and dry but are still on the ear, and the kernels look plump and glossy at the tip to the base. Do a “milk test”: press a kernel—if a milky fluid squirts out, it’s harvest-ready; if only a clear watery juice appears, wait about 1 day. For peak sweetness, pick in the morning and use promptly, since sugar in sweet corn declines quickly after harvest.

Sweet, nutty fragrance rises from the kernels as they heat—Kettle Corn is bred for that classic “just-popped” aroma with a balanced, lightly caramel-leaning sweetness. Expect tender, crisp bites with a delicate, airy crunch and a satisfyingly open hull that pops cleanly. Grow Kettle Corn for backyard popcorn nights, from fresh garden harvest to stovetop-style popping and festive snack bowls.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 55°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Plant in a block (not rows) and keep soil evenly moist early so kernels pollinate well for maximum popping.