How to Grow Illini Xtra Sweet
Zea mays 'Illini Xtra Sweet'
Your complete guide to growing Illini Xtra Sweet.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsWhen to Plant Illini Xtra Sweet
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | — | July – August | October – August |
| Zone 2 | — | June – August | October – September |
| Zone 3 | — | June – July | September – October |
| Zone 4 | — | June – July | September – October |
| Zone 5 | — | May – June | September – October |
| Zone 6 | — | May – June | August – October |
| Zone 7 | — | April – June | August – September |
| Zone 8 | — | April – May | July – September |
| Zone 9 | — | March – April | June – August |
| Zone 10 | — | February – April | June – July |
| Zone 11 | — | January – March | May – June |
| Zone 12 | — | January – March | May – June |
| Zone 13 | — | January – March | May – June |
Companion Plants for Illini Xtra Sweet
✓ Good companions
Fixes nitrogen in soil that corn can utilize, classic Three Sisters companion
Attracts beneficial wasps and ladybugs that prey on corn aphids and other pests
Repels corn earworms, aphids, and other harmful insects with natural compounds
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, attracts beneficial predatory insects
Uses corn stalks as natural support while providing nitrogen fixation
Attracts beneficial insects and birds that control corn pests
Attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies that control aphids and other corn pests
Large leaves suppress weeds and retain soil moisture, completes Three Sisters planting
✗ Keep away from
Releases juglone toxin that severely stunts corn growth and can kill plants
Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit corn germination and growth
Both attract corn earworms and share similar pest problems, increasing infestation risk
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
