1# ILLINOIS X SWEET CORN 85DAY

Illinois Extra Sweet 85‑Day Sweet Corn (Zea mays) is a classic extra‑sweet (se/se+) yellow sweet corn variety valued for its excellent flavor, tenderness, and dependable yields—a longtime favorite for home gardens.

🌽 Variety Overview

• Type: Extra‑sweet yellow sweet corn

• Days to Maturity: ~85 days

• Plant Height: 7–8 feet

• Ear Size: 7–8 inches

• Rows of Kernels: 14–16

• Flavor: Very sweet, tender, classic corn taste

• Use: Fresh eating, freezing, cooking

✅ Why Grow Illinois Extra Sweet

• Excellent sweetness without being overly sugary

• Maintains tenderness longer than standard sweet corn

• Reliable performance in Midwest and northern gardens

• Good ear fill and uniform kernel rows

• Ideal for fresh eating and home freezing

This variety bridges the gap between standard sweet corn and super‑sweet types, offering sweetness with easier growing.

🌤️ Growing Conditions

• Season: Warm‑season crop

• Sun: Full sun (8+ hours)

• Soil: Fertile, well‑drained soil with organic matter

• Soil pH: 6.0–6.8

• Soil Temp for Planting: ≥60°F

⚠️ Sweet corn is frost sensitive—plant only after danger of frost.

🌾 Planting Instructions

• When to Plant:

  • Late spring after soil has warmed

• How to Plant:

  • Depth: 1–1½ inches

  • Spacing: 10–12 inches apart

  • Rows: 30–36 inches apart

🌽 Plant in blocks (at least 4 rows) for proper wind pollination.

🚫 Isolation:
Keep isolated from field corn and popcorn to prevent cross‑pollination.

💧 Care & Feeding

• Water consistently, especially during tasseling and ear fill

• Side‑dress with compost or balanced fertilizer when plants are knee‑high

• Weed early—corn competes poorly when young

🌽 Harvesting

• Harvest when silks turn brown and ears feel full

• Kernels should release milky juice when punctured

• Pick early morning for best sweetness

• Use or refrigerate immediately after harvest

🍴 Kitchen & Storage

• Excellent eaten fresh off the stalk

• Blanch and freeze for long‑term storage

• Sweeter and more tender than standard sweet corn, but easier to grow than sh2 types

🌿 Companion Plants

• Beans (add nitrogen)

• Squash or pumpkins

• Cucumbers

(Avoid tomatoes.)