If you are growing sweet corn for flavour, RHS Sweet Corn Mirai Picnic F1 Seeds by Mr Fothergills is a standout choice. This naturally bred variety produces remarkably sweet, juicy, medium sized supersweet cobs that taste miles better than anything shop bought. It is an excellent performer in garden trials and a brilliant option for allotment growers who want reliable plants and delicious results.
Mirai Picnic F1 is bred for high quality eating, with plump golden kernels and that classic sweet corn crunch when harvested at the right moment. For the best flavour, pick cobs when the silks have turned brown and dry, and the kernels release a milky sap when pressed. Sweet corn is at its best cooked and eaten as fresh as possible, so it is perfect for summer meals, barbecues and of course a proper picnic.
You can start seeds indoors from March to May. Sow 1 seed per 7.5cm pot of seed compost and cover with 1.5cm of compost. Firm gently and keep moist, then cover with glass, polythene or a propagator lid. Keep at around 15°C and remove the cover once seedlings appear. Grow on in bright conditions, then gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions in late May, avoiding frosts.
When planting out, set sweet corn out in squares or blocks rather than a single long row. This improves wind pollination, helping the cobs fill evenly. Space plants 40cm apart in each direction and keep them well watered, especially at flowering time. Consistent moisture is key for good cob formation and sweet juicy kernels.
You can also sow outdoors in May, directly into a prepared seed bed in the growing position. Sow 1 to 2 seeds together with 40cm between stations, cover with 1.5cm of fine soil, then keep moist. Thin to 1 strong seedling per position once established.
Harvest is typically from August to October. A useful growing note, this variety is best grown isolated from sugary enhanced sweet corn types, as cross pollination can reduce eating quality. Keeping your sweet corn varieties grouped and separate helps maintain the best results.
Mirai Picnic F1 is part of the RHS seed range produced by Mr Fothergills in partnership with the RHS. It is also recognised with the RHS Award of Garden Merit for reliability and good performance, so you can sow with confidence and look forward to a seriously sweet homegrown harvest.
