Howling Mob Heirloom Sweet Corn
(Zea mays) An open-pollinated sweet corn variety developed by C.D. Keller of Toledo, Ohio in the early 1900's. Developed as a second early corn to compete with the later-season varieties, Howling Mob features thick husks that protect the ears from damage by ear worms that so often plague sweet corn later in the season. Advertisements of the day boasted that Howling Mob afforded market growers the ability to plant in succession and have corn until frost. The name Howling Mob alluded to the crowds of buyers that would gather, anxious to purchase the fresh sweet corn. Plants grow approximately 5 feet tall, consistently producing two ears per stalk. Ears average 14 rows around and 8 inches long, well-filled with sweet, white kernels that are of an excellent quality for fresh eating and canning. 70-75 days to harvest. 50 seeds per packet.
GROWING INFORMATION:
CULTURE: Corn performs best in soil that is well-drained, but also able to hold onto some moisture, as corn tends to use quite a bit of water during its active growth phase. Working in a healthy dose of well-composted manure in the fall will ensure that the rapidly growing plants receive adequate water and nutrition.
SOWING: After danger of frost has passed and soil temps have reached 55 degrees, sow seeds 9-12" apart, 1" deep, in rows 24-36" apart. To maximize pollination use a paired row or square plot configuration. Under ideal conditions, germination will occur in 7-10 days.
INSECT PESTS: Biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis can be effecting in controlling common corn pests like corn borer and earworm. Aphids, Japanese beetles, and other hard-shelled insects can be controlled with a simple homemade insecticidal soap solution.
DISEASES AND PROBLEMS: Corn is susceptible to a number of plant diseases. Consult your local extension office to learn which diseases are most prevalent in your region. Crop rotation, tillage, and removal of plant debris are all effective tools in managing common corn diseases.
HARVEST AND STORAGE: Ears can be harvested once the husks have dried and the kernels have sufficiently hardened. To test for maturity, pull back the husk and remove a kernel from the ear. If the tip at the base of the kernel breaks off to reveal a brown "abscission" layer, the ears are ready to harvest.
SAVING SEEDS: To maintain genetic diversity, save seed from at least 50 to 100 plants. If open-pollinated, plants should be isolated from other corn varieties by at least 1/4 mile. Otherwise, hand-pollination can be performed.
(Zea mays) An open-pollinated sweet corn variety developed by C.D. Keller of Toledo, Ohio in the early 1900's. Developed as a second early corn to compete with the later-season varieties, Howling Mob features thick husks that protect the ears from damage by ear worms that so often plague sweet corn later in the season. Advertisements of the day boasted that Howling Mob afforded market growers the ability to plant in succession and have corn until frost. The name Howling Mob alluded to the crowds of buyers that would gather, anxious to purchase the fresh sweet corn. Plants grow approximately 5 feet tall, consistently producing two ears per stalk. Ears average 14 rows around and 8 inches long, well-filled with sweet, white kernels that are of an excellent quality for fresh eating and canning. 70-75 days to harvest. 50 seeds per packet.
GROWING INFORMATION:
CULTURE: Corn performs best in soil that is well-drained, but also able to hold onto some moisture, as corn tends to use quite a bit of water during its active growth phase. Working in a healthy dose of well-composted manure in the fall will ensure that the rapidly growing plants receive adequate water and nutrition.
SOWING: After danger of frost has passed and soil temps have reached 55 degrees, sow seeds 9-12" apart, 1" deep, in rows 24-36" apart. To maximize pollination use a paired row or square plot configuration. Under ideal conditions, germination will occur in 7-10 days.
INSECT PESTS: Biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis can be effecting in controlling common corn pests like corn borer and earworm. Aphids, Japanese beetles, and other hard-shelled insects can be controlled with a simple homemade insecticidal soap solution.
DISEASES AND PROBLEMS: Corn is susceptible to a number of plant diseases. Consult your local extension office to learn which diseases are most prevalent in your region. Crop rotation, tillage, and removal of plant debris are all effective tools in managing common corn diseases.
HARVEST AND STORAGE: Ears can be harvested once the husks have dried and the kernels have sufficiently hardened. To test for maturity, pull back the husk and remove a kernel from the ear. If the tip at the base of the kernel breaks off to reveal a brown "abscission" layer, the ears are ready to harvest.
SAVING SEEDS: To maintain genetic diversity, save seed from at least 50 to 100 plants. If open-pollinated, plants should be isolated from other corn varieties by at least 1/4 mile. Otherwise, hand-pollination can be performed.
