Lancaster Sure Crop Corn is an heirloom, open-pollinated field corn variety developed in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the early 1900s. This variety was bred for early maturity, large ears, high yields and stability in a wide variety of growing conditions. It is also especially drought-tolerant and can be grown in areas where irrigation may be limited.
Lancaster Sure Crop Corn produces extremely tall stalks that can easily get 10-12′ tall. It also produces large ears that are 10-12″ long. Plants have a solid root system to prevent lodging and ensure bountiful harvests. This is a great variety for making corn meal or grits, but can also be used to feed livestock.
Lancaster Sure Crop Corn should be planted in the spring after the last frost date. Corn can be grown throughout the warmer months up until fall, as long as time is permitted for harvest before first frost. Succession planting is recommended with at least two plantings, one in early spring and one in late summer/early fall. Corn ear worm pressure will be greater in the warmer months, but this can be alleviated by applying spinosad to silks and tassels once they appear.
We recommend planting Lancaster Sure Crop Corn using a walk-behind planter like our Hoss Garden Seeder. Once plants emerge, thin plants to 8-12″ depending on adequate irrigation. If drip irrigation is used, in-row spacing may be as close as 8″. If water is scarce, a wider in-row spacing will be necessary. For pollination purposes, corn should be planted in a square plot with rows on 30-36″ spacing. Planting a few long rows will result in poor germination and absence of kernels on the cobs.
Lancaster Sure Crop Corn Planting Information
Planting Method: direct seed
When to Plant: after last frost
Planting Depth: 1″
Seed Spacing: 8-12″
Row Spacing: 30-36″
Days to Maturity: 85/110
Disease Resistance: None