START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In spring once weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay securely above 55°F (13°C), plant seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Poke seeds in 1 inch deep and 4 to 6 inches apart. Plant in a block of at least 4 rows, side by side, each row 1 foot apart. Thin seedlings to 1 foot apart when several inches tall. Protect from marauding birds if necessary. If first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant right away as new seedlings catch up quickly. Make several sowings 2 weeks apart until early June to have successive harvests.
GROWING NOTES
There is no need to isolate Casino from other varieties, but plant seeds in blocks of at least 4 parallel rows to ensure good wind pollination and well filled out ears. Corn is a heavy feeder, so add plenty of compost or aged manure to the soil at sowing time, and then fertilize when young plants are 7 or 8 inches tall and again as ears begin to form.
HARVEST AND USE
Well filled out ears of corn are ready to eat when the silks are very dark brown but not dried out. Test by choosing a plump ear and peeling back the husk very slightly. The kernels should be tender and milky when slit with a fingernail. Casino is a sugar-enhanced corn, so the tender crisp kernels will hold their sweetness after harvest.
Plant In | Sun/Shade | Planting Depth | Space Seeds | Days to Germinate | Days to Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
April - June | Full sun | 1 inch | 4 - 6 inches | 7 - 10 days | Approx. 70 |