Name: Organic 'Ashworth' yellow sweet corn Seeds
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Sale Sold out

Poaceae

Gaia

Zea mays

From seed to harvest

HeirloomOpen-pollinated

Common nameAshworth yellow sweet corn

FamilyPoaceae

GenusZea

Speciesmays

CultivarAshworth

Botanical nameZea mays

Reproducible seedsYes

Heirloom varietytrue

Quantity per packetApproximately 50 seeds

Organic 'Ashworth' yellow sweet corn Seeds (Zea mays). Ashworth is an early variety producing 6-to-7-inch yellow ears on stalks approximately 5 to 6 feet tall. Its 69-to-72-day maturity suits relatively short seasons and provides fresh sweet corn quickly. This annual open-pollinated heirloom can be saved for seed when plants are isolated from other corn. The packet contains approximately 50 seeds certified organic by Ecocert Canada. Sweet kernels suit boiling, steaming, grilling, or roasting and are best enjoyed soon after harvest for maximum sweetness and dependable short-season garden performance overall. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Direct sow 1 to 2 inches deep when soil reaches approximately 19°C and all frost risk has passed. An optional soak in warm water for up to 12 hours may speed water uptake; sow immediately afterward into warm soil that is not waterlogged. Germination generally takes 5 to 8 days. Space plants 8 to 10 inches apart and rows 24 to 36 inches apart. For reliable wind pollination, plant several short rows in a block instead of one long row, then keep nearby weeds from competing with young plants. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated.

Grow Ashworth in full sun and deep fertile soil rich in organic matter with good drainage. Maintain even moisture while tassels, silks, and ears are forming. Corn uses substantial nitrogen, so incorporate compost and provide feeding appropriate to soil fertility. This crop is frost tender and should not be described as hardy to −5°C. Harvest when silks are brown and dry and kernels are plump; a pierced kernel should release milky liquid. Cool ears quickly after harvest and use them within a few days because their sugars gradually convert to starch.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure: Full sun
Life cycle: Annual
Hardiness: Warm-season annual; killed by frost

Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

25 to 51 mm (1 to 2 in)

Spacing / density

20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) between plants and 61 to 91 cm (24 to 36 in) between rows; plant in a block

Germination temperature

15 to 32 °C (59 to 89.6 °F); sow when the soil is approximately 19 °C (66.2 °F) ou plus.

Germination time

5 to 8 days in warm soil

Sowing period

Direct sow after the last frost when soil reaches approximately 19°C. Repeat a sowing 10 to 14 days later to stagger harvest.

Propagation

Direct seeding; open-pollinated variety

Growing method

For Ashworth yellow sweet corn, follow these sowing and growing guidelines for the variety. Direct sow 1–2 inches deep when soil reaches approximately 19°C and frost is no longer expected. An optional soak for up to 12 hours may precede sowing. Space plants 8–10 inches apart and rows 24–36 inches apart. Plant at least several short rows in a block to improve wind pollination. Keep soil moist during emergence and weed without damaging shallow roots. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Approximately 5.8 to 7.0

Minimum temperature

Frost sensitive; sow after the last frost

Care level

Moderate

Watering

Water regularly, especially while tassels, silks, and ears are forming. Avoid drought stress and standing water. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Soil type

Deep fertile soil rich in organic matter, moist yet well drained Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Fertilization

Incorporate mature compost before sowing and provide nitrogen during growth according to soil testing and fertility. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Seasonal care

For Ashworth yellow sweet corn, adjust seasonal care to the plant’s actual growth cycle. Weed gently while plants are young and apply light mulch after soil has warmed. Water deeply during ear formation. Maintain several rows in a block for pollination. Check silks and ears for damage. Harvest at the milk stage, then remove stalks after harvest and compost healthy residue. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established. Inspect foliage, stems, and leaf undersides regularly so stress or pests can be addressed early.

Growing in containers

Container growing

Growing Ashworth yellow sweet corn in a container requires suitable volume, drainage, and exposure. In-ground growing recommended; use a very large container of 40 L or more only with support and regular watering. Match the container to the plant's development and provide free drainage from planting onward. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume. A light mulch can reduce splashing and moisture swings after the soil has warmed and plants are established.

Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

Approximately 1.5 to 1.8 m (5 to 6 ft)

Width / spread

Approximately 30 to 46 cm (12 to 18 in)

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Long strap-like leaves

Growth rate

Fast

Growth habit

Upright tall stalks

Edible parts

Tender kernels on the ears

Fruiting

Yellow ears 6 to 7 in long Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots.

Days to maturity

69 to 72 days

Harvest

Harvest after 69 to 72 days when silks are brown and dry, kernels are plump, and a pierced kernel releases milky liquid.

Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Gaia traditionally suggests beans, squash, melon, amaranth, cucumber, peas, parsley, potato, pumpkin, tansy, and sunflower. No pairing guarantees improved yield. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth.

Plants to avoid

Gaia traditionally recommends separating tomato and celery. This is not an absolute rule; prioritize space, light, and rotation.

Garden use

In the garden, place Ashworth yellow sweet corn according to its habit, vigour, and access for harvest. Plant Ashworth in a block of several short rows for wind pollination. Place the block north of shorter crops to limit shade. If other corn grows nearby, separate flowering times or distance plantings to preserve eating quality and keep saved seed true to type. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume.

Recipe and storage

Recipe idea

From garden to table

For four servings with Ashworth yellow sweet corn, harvest seeds, grain, or pods at the recommended stage and sort the crop carefully. Prepare about 250 g of edible material. Rinse under potable water; for dried beans or other pulses, soak when appropriate, discard the soaking water, and cook completely in fresh water before tasting. Drain, then combine with 30 ml of oil, 15 ml of lemon juice or vinegar, one small chopped shallot, and fresh herbs. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Serve warm or chilled with seasonal vegetables. Young pods and corn may be cooked separately to the desired texture before assembly. Never eat dried beans raw or undercooked. Refrigerate leftovers in a closed container within two hours and use them promptly. Serve promptly to preserve the texture and aromas that distinguish this harvest. Taste before adding more salt so the variety’s own character remains at the centre of the dish. Use a clean board and utensils, then refrigerate promptly any portion that will not be served immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How many 'Ashworth' yellow sweet corn seeds are in the packet?

For Ashworth yellow sweet corn, the packet information states: Approximately 50 seeds. This wording preserves the commercial approximation when one is provided and helps plan the number of containers or the length of the row without turning an estimate into a guaranteed count. Keep the packet closed in a cool, dry, dark place until sowing time. Keep the label with the seedlings so the variety remains correctly identified throughout the season. Use clean containers and write the sowing date on a water-resistant label. Avoid exposing unused seed to moisture or large temperature swings.

How should I start 'Ashworth' yellow sweet corn seeds in Canada?

For Ashworth yellow sweet corn, the stated sowing period is the detailed directions in the product record. The recommended method is Direct seeding; open-pollinated variety, at a depth of 25 to 51 mm (1 to 2 in). Follow these product-specific directions and adjust timing to the average last-frost date in your area. Moisten the growing medium before placing the seed so the first watering does not displace it. Label every container and maintain even moisture without allowing standing water. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge to encourage balanced growth. Thin carefully when several seedlings compete for the same space. For seed starting, label the cultivar and use the stated sowing depth instead of a generic estimate.

How long do 'Ashworth' yellow sweet corn seeds take to germinate?

For Ashworth yellow sweet corn, the stated germination period is 5 to 8 days in warm soil, with a germination temperature of 15 to 32°C; ideally sow once soil reaches approximately 19°C or warmer. Keep these conditions as steady as practical while allowing excess water to drain away. The temperature of the growing medium matters more than the surrounding air during this stage. Check moisture below the surface before watering again and avoid saturating the medium. Good air circulation helps young plants remain vigorous after emergence. Wait until the normal germination window has passed before assuming a seed will not emerge. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.

Where should I grow 'Ashworth' yellow sweet corn in the garden?

For Ashworth yellow sweet corn, the recommended exposure is Full sun. The stated spacing guideline is the detailed directions in the product record. For container growing, the product record recommends: the detailed directions in the product record. Allow for the mature habit so neighbouring plants do not restrict light or access for harvest. Choose a site that is easy to water and leave enough room for air to circulate around the foliage. In a container, make sure several holes allow excess water to drain freely. A light mulch can steady moisture after the soil has warmed and plants are established. Place plants where their growth can be observed and stress can be addressed early.

When and how should I harvest 'Ashworth' yellow sweet corn?

For Ashworth yellow sweet corn, the confirmed edible parts are: Tender kernels on the ears. Harvest them at the stage stated in the product record, then sort the crop before preparation. Use only the parts correctly identified as edible for this plant. Use a clean tool and handle the harvest carefully to avoid unnecessary injury to the plant. Harvest in dry weather when practical and remove damaged portions promptly. Wash only the parts intended for the kitchen and refrigerate perishable produce promptly. Never eat a plant part whose identity or edibility is uncertain.