How to Grow Supersweet Corn Double Standard
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Supersweet Corn Double Standard
Zea mays saccharata
vegetableSupersweet Corn Double Standard is a hybrid sweet corn variety known for its exceptional sweetness and tender kernels that retain their sugar content longer after harvest than standard sweet corn. This variety typically produces dual ear sets, allowing for extended harvests from a single planting. It's an excellent choice for home gardeners seeking premium quality corn with superior flavor.
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Example Supersweet Corn Double Standard timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Supersweet Corn Double Standard
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Supersweet Corn Double Standard
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Supersweet Corn Double Standard dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; plant after all frost danger has passed
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Get my Supersweet Corn Double Standard timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout within 7-10 days, developing a strong taproot and initial leaf emergence. Seedlings reach 3-6 inches tall with characteristic grass-like leaves.
Maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 leaves. Protect from birds and cutworms with row covers if needed.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRapid height growth occurs; plants develop multiple leaves and establish strong root systems. Side shoots (tillers) may appear at the base. Height reaches 4-6 feet depending on variety maturity.
Apply nitrogen sidedressing when plants reach 12-18 inches tall. Monitor for weeds and cultivate shallowly to avoid root damage. Ensure consistent water supply. Provide support in windy areas if needed.
Tasseling & Silking
1-2 weeksMale tassel emerges from the top of the plant; female silks emerge from the ear husks shortly after. Pollen begins shedding from the tassel and travels to the silks for pollination.
Maintain steady water supply—critical stage for kernel development. Avoid overhead watering if possible to prevent pollen clumping. Do not disturb plants or remove suckers at this time. Ensure adequate spacing for air circulation.
Ear Development & Milk Stage
2-3 weeksFertilized silks begin browning; kernels fill and develop on the cob. Kernels progress from milky (immature) to full milk stage (mature sweet corn), becoming plump and full of sugary liquid.
Continue consistent watering to support kernel filling. The Double Standard variety typically produces two harvestable ears per stalk at this stage. Avoid nitrogen excess which can delay maturity. Monitor for pests attracted to developing ears.
Harvest & Maturity
Ready at 20-22 days after silking; harvest window spans 1-2 weeksEars reach full size; husks turn green and tight; silks brown completely. Kernels are plump, milky, and release a creamy liquid when punctured. Ready for harvest when silk tips are brown and kernels are full and tender.
Harvest ears by grasping and twisting sharply downward to detach from stalk. Harvest in early morning when kernels are crispest. Use immediately or refrigerate to preserve sweetness. Continue harvesting as ears mature sequentially.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick larvae from ears; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray at silk emergence; use pheromone traps; encourage parasitic wasps; resistant varieties available
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Spray with Bt or spinosad; hand-remove affected plant parts; maintain crop rotation; encourage natural predators
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Apply Bt at tassel emergence and repeat every 7-10 days; remove and destroy infested stalks after harvest; plant trap crops
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Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; remove affected silks early; encourage natural enemies; time planting to avoid peak fly populations
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Hand-pick early morning; use milky spore for grubs; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; grow resistant companion plants like garlic and chives nearby
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs and lacewings; avoid excess nitrogen
Uses
Fresh corn on the cob
CulinarySupersweet corn is prized for eating fresh off the cob, boiled, grilled, or roasted. Its exceptional sweetness and tender kernels require minimal cooking and no added butter or seasoning. [source]
Corn kernels & recipes
CulinaryStrip kernels from the cob for use in salads, salsas, soups, corn chowder, succotash, and side dishes. The high sugar content makes it excellent for corn bread and polenta. [source]
Corn cob broth & stock
CulinaryAfter kernels are removed, corncobs can be simmered to create a mild corn broth or added to vegetable stock for subtle corn flavor. This reduces food waste and extracts additional nutrition. [source]
Corn husks & silks for crafting
HouseholdDried corn husks are traditionally used for tamale wrapping, dolls, baskets, and craft projects. Corn silks can be dried and used in herbal tea infusions. [source]
Wildlife food source
WildlifeMature corn provides grain for birds and small mammals. Leaving some unharvested ears for wildlife supports pollinators and beneficial insects that consume pest species. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest ears when husks are green and tight, silks are dark brown to black, and kernels release creamy liquid when punctured with a fingernail (milk stage). Supersweet varieties maintain sweetness longer than standard corn. Pick in early morning for maximum crispness and sugar content. Ears typically mature sequentially, allowing for multiple harvests. Use immediately after harvest or refrigerate to preserve sweetness, as sugars convert to starch quickly at room temperature.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Supersweet corn varieties contain a sugar-enhancing gene that slows the conversion of sugar to starch, allowing the kernels to remain sweet for 1-2 weeks after harvest—far longer than standard sweet corn.
- 🌱 The 'Double Standard' designation refers to the variety's ability to consistently produce two ears per stalk, effectively doubling yields compared to single-ear varieties of similar maturity.
- 🌱 Corn is monoecious, meaning it produces both male and female flowers on the same plant; the tassel is the male organ and the silk emerges from the female ear structure, making natural wind-pollination essential for complete kernel set.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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