Warriston variety of the month

A monthly selection of fruit, veg or flowers that flourish on the Warriston site. Find more in our variety archive

May 2017 — Sweetcorn, 'Lark'

Originally from Mexico, this is an exotic vegetable which is fun and easy to grow if you choose your variety wisely. It's important to select a sweetcorn variety that matures midseason or late to give it ample sun hours. Growing from seed can ensure this.

A good example of a midseason sweetcorn is 'Lark', a newish tendersweet variety giving superior sweetness with a softer, less chewy texture than conventional supersweets.

Large cobs are packed with golden, thin-skinned kernels and are delicious picked fresh from the garden and boiled, steamed or barbecued.

This variety has the benefit of being able to be grown alongside other varieties. A more reliable germination compared to supersweets adds to the appeal of the RHS vegetable collection variety. 

Height: 200cm (79"). Spread: 45cm (18"). Flowering time July/August.  

Plant seeds direct into the ground in full sun in May in a grid pattern which aids wind blown pollination.

Use a dibber to make 2.5cm deep holes and sow two seeds every 35cm with 60cm between rows. Cover and water.

Remove the weakest seedling when grown through.

If cool at or following sowing, cover the emerging seedlings with fleece held down with stones.

Corn is ready when the silky tassels on the cobs turn brown. Pinch a kernel to check—if the juice is milky, the cob is ready to pick. Simply twist away from the plant. 

​You'll find further comprehensive sweetcorn growing information here courtesy of the BBC. 

Sweetcorn tassels go brown when the cob is ready   Photo: Pixabay