Corn 'Bicolour'

Scientific Name: Zea mays 'Bicolour'

Common Name: Bicolour Corn

Vegetable Type: Grain

Exposure: Full sun

Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8

Maturity Time: Bicolour Corn typically matures in 75 to 90 days after planting.

Height: The stalks of Bicolour Corn can reach a height of 6 to 8 feet.

Width: Bicolour Corn has a spread of approximately 12 to 18 inches.

Spacing: Plant Bicolour Corn seeds approximately 9 to 12 inches apart, with rows spaced about 24 to 36 inches apart.

Temperature: Bicolour Corn thrives in warm temperatures between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C) during the growing season.

Watering: Provide consistent moisture throughout the growing season, especially during the tasseling and silking stages. Aim to provide about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.

Culinary Uses: Bicolour Corn is prized for its sweet and tender kernels, which can be eaten fresh, boiled, steamed, grilled, or roasted. It is a popular choice for summer barbecues, picnics, and outdoor gatherings. Its bicolor kernels add visual interest to dishes.

Flavor Profile: Bicolour Corn has a sweet and succulent flavor with a balance of sweetness and corn flavor.

Companion Plants: Corn benefits from companion planting with beans and squash in a traditional Native American planting method known as the Three Sisters. Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, squash provides ground cover to suppress weeds and retain moisture, and corn provides a structure for the beans to climb.

Pests and Diseases: Common pests that may affect corn include corn earworms, corn borers, and aphids. Diseases such as corn smut and common rust can also be problematic. Proper garden hygiene, crop rotation, and the use of organic pest control methods can help manage these issues. Additionally, planting resistant varieties can reduce the risk of disease.