Providence Sweet Corn

Providence Sweet Corn is a hybrid, TripleSweet bicolor sweet corn variety that is very popular among small-scale farmers markets and roadside stands. Providence TripleSweet includes 75% sugary-enhanced (se) kernels and 25% supersweet (sh2) kernels. As a result, it contains more sugar and less starch than traditional varieties. This means that it will hold well in the field and provide a longer window between harvest and processing/fresh eating. Providence Sweet Corn produces plants that average 6.5′ tall with 8.5″ ears positioned at 24″ along the stalks. The bicolor ears have tight husks and moderately large flags to protect the ear between harvest and processing.

Sweet corn should be planted in the spring after the last frost date. Sweet corn can be grown throughout the warmer months up until fall, as long as time is permitted for harvest before first frost. Succession planting is recommended with at least two plantings, one in early spring and one in late summer/early fall. Corn ear worm pressure will be greater in the warmer months, but this can be alleviated by applying spinosad to silks and tassels once they appear.

We recommend planting sweet corn using a walk-behind planter like our Hoss Garden Seeder. Once plants emerge, thin plants to 6-8″ depending on adequate irrigation. If drip irrigation is used, in-row spacing may be as close as 6″. If water is scarce, a wider in-row spacing will be necessary. For pollination purposes, corn should be planted in a square plot with rows on 30-36″ spacing. Planting a few long rows will result in poor germination and absence of kernels on the cobs.

Providence Sweet Corn Planting Information

Planting Method: direct seed

When to Plant: after last frost

Planting Depth: 1″

Seed Spacing: 6-8″

Row Spacing: 30-36″

Days to Maturity: 80

Disease Resistance: Rust, Southern Corn Leaf Blight