Can sweetcorn be grown in Scotland?

Diddy Gardener · « **on:** July 04, 2011, 12:32 »

Not this year, obviously... but in general. I tried many years ago but they didn't ripen, maybe we don't have a long enough growing season. How about in a cold greenhouse?

You can't beat really fresh sweetcorn and I would love to grow some!

arugula · « **Reply #1 on:** July 04, 2011, 13:09 »

Yes it can!

My Dad used to grow it successfully outdoors in Glasgow and we are growing the Minipop variety this year in our polytunnel as we though the sea air might be too brisk for it outside.

Diddy Gardener · « **Reply #2 on:** July 04, 2011, 13:11 »

Brilliant - thanks Argyllie... I'll give it a shot next year methinks!

arugula · « **Reply #3 on:** July 04, 2011, 13:16 »

The spot my Dad used to keep them was a sheltered suntrap. Growing full sized varieties under glass you may have pollination issues, I'm not sure of varieties available as I haven't grown it myself.... Here's the RHS advice on growing sweetcorn.

Ralphy · « **Reply #4 on:** July 04, 2011, 13:27 »

usualy fine, although i tried one of the supersweet varietys last year and it did nothing, i think they probably prefer it a bit warmer than normal sweetcorn

Diddy Gardener · « **Reply #5 on:** July 04, 2011, 13:47 »

Yep... and that's never gonna happen Ralphy

Debz · « **Reply #6 on:** July 04, 2011, 14:14 »

I tried last year and got cobs but then the rain and cold started again so they didn't polinate or mature. I'm trying again this year but they seem to be too far behind. Pollok Park has a big glasshouse in their walled garden that they grew them in last year (in growbags). They looked fabulous and didn't seem to have any pollination issues. I will try again next year if I don't succeed this year because I love fresh corn on the cob.

Springlands · « **Reply #7 on:** July 04, 2011, 14:20 »

Hi Diddy Gardner - I have grown sweetcorn outdoors here in N Ireland and our weather is similar to Scotland. Some years are better than others but I usually get enough to keep me trying. Not too sure about this year unless we get lots more sunny days like the last few.

I did try growing corn in the g/house one year - it did not work out too well but I think that was mainly pollination issues.

Yorkie · « **Reply #8 on:** July 04, 2011, 17:32 »

Keep an eye out for varieties which are suitable for northern climates. If memory serves right, Lark or Swift might fit that description. The northern vegetable society may have suggestions on its website too.

gobs · « **Reply #9 on:** July 04, 2011, 17:52 »

Quote from: Yorkie on July 04, 2011, 17:32

Keep an eye out for varieties which are suitable for northern climates. If memory serves right, Lark or Swift might fit that description. The northern vegetable society may have suggestions on its website too.

Indeed, Sweet nugget is also a fast maturing variety.

lazza · « **Reply #10 on:** July 05, 2011, 11:01 »

I'm trying to grow sweetcorn in Northumberland for the first time... the plants seem to be doing well, except one or two around the edge which got battered by the strong winds a month or so back, and never really recovered. But I am intrigued as to whether they will actually produce any cobs! They aren't in direct sunlight for very long during the day, but in a very sheltered spot surrounded on 3 sides by my lean-to greenhouse, the house wall, and a fence. The wall gets a lot of sun, so acts as a wonderful heat-sink, so I'm hoping that will help...

Diddy Gardener · « **Reply #11 on:** July 05, 2011, 13:44 »

'Fast maturing' sounds promising... roll on next year, although not wanting to wish my life away!!

realfood · « **Reply #12 on:** July 05, 2011, 18:12 »

Yes, you can get good crops every year in Scotland. The secret is to use quick maturing varieties, grow them in small pots, plant out at the beginning of June and cover them with a cloche for the first month.
In the average year, they should be ready to crop from early September.
I usually grow Swift F1 and it came top in the taste test this month in Gardening Which.

Diddy Gardener · « **Reply #13 on:** July 07, 2011, 16:20 »

Thanks Realfood, going to take a note of that

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Can sweetcorn be grown in Scotland?

Diddy Gardener

Can sweetcorn be grown in Scotland?

arugula

Re: Can sweetcorn be grown in Scotland?

Diddy Gardener

Re: Can sweetcorn be grown in Scotland?

arugula

Re: Can sweetcorn be grown in Scotland?

Ralphy

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Diddy Gardener

Re: Can sweetcorn be grown in Scotland?

Debz

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Springlands

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Yorkie

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gobs

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lazza

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Diddy Gardener

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realfood

Re: Can sweetcorn be grown in Scotland?

Diddy Gardener

Re: Can sweetcorn be grown in Scotland?

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