sweet corn question

[CB104204]

I moved to Tucson AZ from the midwest and cannot get my sweet corn to produce larger than 3" - 4" ears. Kernels are large and full but ears are very small. Any suggestions? p.s. I do not have any pest problems so far.

[soil]

what soil? watering? variety?

[CB104204]

Our soil was pitiful when we started. We have tried very hard to change that. We are using good organic compost from our own pile and many bags of Kellog Garden soil worked into the plot to a depth of about one foot. We fertilize when we plant with 12-12-12 and ammonium sulphate 20-0-0. Then again when plants are 10"-12". Then just before tassle we apply ammonium sulphate again.
Watering is once in the early AM and again in the evening, both by hand and good deep watering.
The variety is early sunglow hybrid.
The corn is delicious just really small.

Help!

[rootsy]

How tall does the stalk get?

[CB104204]

4' to 4 1/2'

[jal_ut]

It may be due to the variety. Early Sunglow is a 68 day corn and typically grows 5 feet tall and has 6 inch ears with 12 rows of kernels. I have grown it before for an early harvest, but other varieties have much larger ears.
Try a 75 or 85 day corn next time.

[CB104204]

Thanks for the help.

What are your thoughts about adding steer manure?

Also, is there any difference in the seed between bulk or packaged? We have a hard time getting bulk out here.

How about adding lime?

[rootsy]

if you want bulk order a rupp seeds catalog...

[farmerlon]

How about adding lime?

You might want to have the soil tested at your local County Extension office, to see where your pH is at.
I was wondering that, when you mentioned adding the ammonium sulphate. You might have a soil that is too Acid... the test would tell you for certain.