What are the cultivation methods for strawberry corn?

SummaryCultivation methods: Strawberry corn is suitable for planting from late March to early August. Choose fertile, well-drained sandy loam field plots, with a planting density of about 3500-4000 plants per mu. Scientific fertilization: During the growth period, apply base fertilizer appropriately, apply seedling fertilizer early, and apply ear fertilizer heavily; during this period, topdress with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and appropriately increase the application of organic fertilizer. Fine management: Field management must be done well, promptly inspecting seedlings, replanting missing seedlings, and controlling weeds; in the later stage, pay attention to preventing and controlling pests and diseases such as corn borers.

I. Staged planting

1. To avoid cross-pollination that leads to a decline in quality, strawberry corn should be planted in isolation from other varieties of corn. Barriers such as hills, forests, and houses can be used for isolated planting. Strawberry corn has a short harvest period and short fresh-keeping period, so staged planting allows harvest and marketing in batches.

2. Generally, it can be planted from the end of March to the beginning of August. If heat-preservation facilities are available for early spring planting, it can also be appropriately advanced, but planting between late May and mid-June should be avoided. Strawberry corn planted at this time has its flowering and pollination period falling exactly during the July-August summer drought weather, which can easily lead to bald tips, missing kernels, and empty stalks in the plants.

II. Sprouting and transplanting

1. Strawberry corn seeds are shriveled and have small endosperm, so the germination and seedling emergence rate is low and the seedlings are weak. To ensure full, uniform, and strong seedlings, whether choosing direct seeding or seedling raising and transplanting, sprouting treatment is required. The suitable germination temperature is 20°C-25°C. Sowing can be done in both spring and summer. After sowing, cover with about 2 cm of soil, then water, and wait 8-12 days for seedlings to emerge for transplanting.

2. It is suitable for planting in sandy loam field plots with sufficient fertilizer and water and good drainage. Strawberry corn has flat leaves and a loose plant type. The planting density per mu is preferably 3500-4000 plants. Strawberry corn is not cold-tolerant and avoids extreme heat. The suitable growth temperature is 20°C-30°C. During the flowering period, watering should be done appropriately to prevent lodging in strawberry corn. Before planting strawberry corn, the soil should be finely plowed.

III. Scientific fertilization

When planting, apply base fertilizer appropriately, apply seedling fertilizer early, and apply ear fertilizer heavily. During this period, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied in combination, and organic fertilizer can be appropriately increased. When planting in field plots with medium fertility, the total amount of chemical fertilizer should be controlled at about 30 jin of pure nitrogen, 12 jin of phosphorus pentoxide, and 12 jin of potassium oxide.

IV. Fine management

Strawberry corn seedlings grow weakly in the seedling stage and are prone to pests and diseases in the later stage, so field management work must be done promptly. After emergence, promptly inspect seedlings, replant missing seedlings, and control weeds. In the seedling and middle stages, remove tillers and excess small ears. In the middle and late stages, prevent and control pests and diseases such as corn borers. The harvest period of strawberry corn is about 3 days earlier than that of ordinary sweet corn. About 20 days after pollination of strawberry corn, harvest promptly according to the color of the silk.