After a myriad of sweet corn trials at the UF/IFAS Hastings Agriculture Extension Farm by a solid team of experts including Gary England, Scott Chambers, Dr. Marcio Resende and Dr. Wendy Mussoline, a local farmer has picked up the baton and run with it.  Singleton & Sons Farms planted 60 acres of bi-color sweet corn in August and is currently being harvested in Putnam County, Florida—and it’s a sight to behold! Bred by Seminis Seed Company, this variety is known for its vibrant yellow and white kernels, sweet flavor, and strong local appeal. Thanks to Singleton & Sons Farms, this fresh fall crop is now available at the East Palatka Fruit Market and the Putnam County Farmer’s Market on the courthouse lawn.

But growing sweet corn in the fall is no easy feat.

Fall vs. Spring: A Tale of Two Seasons

Sweet corn is traditionally a spring crop in Florida, when the days are longer and the soil warms quickly. Fall planting, however, comes with its own set of challenges:

• Hurricane season tends to bring strong storms that lay down the stalks of corn and create major challenges during harvest.
• Shorter daylight hours slow down growth and can affect pollination.
• Cooler nighttime temperatures can delay maturity and reduce sugar accumulation.
• Increased pest pressure, especially from fall armyworms and corn earworms, requires vigilant scouting and management.
• Rainfall variability in late summer and early fall can lead to either drought stress or waterlogging—both detrimental to corn development.

Harvesting with Precision: The One-Row Mechanical Harvester

One of the most unique aspects of this year’s harvest is the use of a one-row mechanical harvester. While larger operations often use multi-row harvesters, this specialized equipment is ideal for smaller acreage and ensures gentle handling of the delicate ears.

The one-row harvester allows for:

• Selective harvesting at peak ripeness.
• Reduced labor costs while maintaining quality.
• Minimized damage to the ears, preserving their market appeal.

It’s a perfect fit for local-scale production and helps maintain the integrity of the sweet corn destined for local markets. However, the challenge remains with the second ear that typically does not ripen enough to become a marketable ear, especially during the fall season.  Setting the harvest at just the perfect height to try to avoid collecting the second ear is almost impossible, espcially when the ears set so close to one another.  So labor is still required to grade the corn before it goes to market.  Check out the demonstration video of the OXBO harvester that was recorded on-farm at Singleton & Sons Farms is the middle of the 2025 harvest season by Dr. Wendy Mussoline:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNGk5NC6rIg

⏳ The Art of Timing: Catching the Sweet Spot

Sweet corn’s flavor hinges on one critical factor: sugar content. Once the ears reach peak maturity, the sugars begin converting to starch rapidly. Miss the window, and the corn loses its signature sweetness.  Knowing when to harvest is truly an art—one that combines science, experience, and a bit of intuition.  The days to maturity is something that Stephen Singleton had to tweek in the field with Gary England in order to optimize ear and kernel size with sugar content.

• Soil fertility: Nutrient-rich soils promote faster growth and better ear development.
• Nighttime temperatures: Cooler nights slow sugar metabolism, extending the harvest window slightly.
• Variety characteristics: Some varieties hold their sweetness longer than others.
• Field scouting: Checking kernel development and milk stage daily is essential.

This fall’s sweet corn crop is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Singleton & Sons Farms and their long-standing relationship with the UF/IFAS Putnam County Extension office.

 Sharing the Sweet Corn Love with the Community

Stephen Singleton has been more that gracious to share his knowledge and his sweet corn with the Putnam County Community.  Stephen hosted the Putnam County Leadership Tour for the Chamber of Commerce at his farm on October 30, 2025 and highlighted his successes and challenges with this crop.  He has also been willing to sell sweet corn in bulk to the East Palatka Fruit Market located at 161 US Highway 17 in East Palatka where they have had to refill the shelves every couple of days due to its popularity with the public.  He also collaborated with UF/IFAS Putnam County Extension office and Palatka Farmer’s Market to get the corn into the hands of local community members.  This is a win-win for Putnam County Agriculture!

If you haven’t yet, swing by the local markets and taste the season’s success for yourself!  My preference is to drop it in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes of less and eat it right off the cob.  But if you are feeling a bit more motivated, here is one of my favorite ways to highlight this super sweet variety of corn with the bounty of Florida’s coastal seafood.

Sweet Corn & Seafood Chowder

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels (about 3 ears)
• 1 cup diced potatoes
• 1 cup seafood stock (or chicken stock)
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• ½ pound peeled shrimp
• ½ pound lump crab meat or chopped fish (like grouper or snapper)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
2. Stir in corn and potatoes, cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add stock and bring to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 10–12 minutes.
4. Stir in milk and seafood. Simmer gently until shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Serve hot with crusty bread or cornbread.

(Note:  This blog was created with the assistance of M365 Copilot)

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