Growing Sweet corn, also corn,maize

Zea mays, var. rugosa : Poaceae / the grass family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
S S S S S S S S S      
T T T T T T T T T T T  
P P P P P P P P P P P  

(Best months for growing Sweet corn in Australia - tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 61°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 - 12 inches apart
  • Harvest in 11-14 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): All beans, cucumber, melons, peas, pumpkin, squash, amaranth
  • Avoid growing close to: Celery.

Your comments and tips

02 Dec 18, Wayne cronin (Australia - temperate climate)
In the past I have grown sweet corn but the cobs get attacked by an orange beetle with black spots, (pumpkin beetle)? They attack through the silks. How do I deter these beetles before they start please?
06 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I think you may have
07 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I think you have lady bug/bird/beetles. They are good.
03 Dec 18, Paula (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Wayne, You could try planting your corn seeds in pots and putting them in a greenhouse or a shade clothed area. That's how I'm growing mine this year. Hope this helps.
02 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
A simple way would be to place a small cover/bag/sock/plastic bag with a few small holes (???) over them to stop the beetle getting in there. You can go on the internet and find fruit bags from China. Cost about 20c each - have to wait for about 2-3 weeks to receive them.
22 Oct 18, Robyn bongaarts (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Help. I have corn growing really well but I also have other babies growing on the Maine stem do I leave them or take them off. Thanks
23 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Corn quite often has two cobs on the main stem. Quite often there are 2-3 stems growing. I just let them all grow.
29 Aug 18, Peter Isaac (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, we have just moved into new home on the Bellarine in Vic, having moved from up in Murray river area of Echuca. and now we have retired, so I have prepared two garden beds approx 2m x 3m x 4cm high on the south side of our home this area is very well protected about 4 weeks ago we put Chicken poo and x 4 bags a lot fertelizes but it was not heavy type, also the dirt was a sandy loom which will retain water, we are holding off planting perhaps start next week which is early September on some seeds, we are looking forward to this experiance as up North it was very hot and working made it hard to keep up, so hear we go looking forward to everything and anyones advices, thanks Peter
30 Aug 18, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Make sure you have 9-12
02 Sep 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Make sure you have a good depth of soil - 9-12 inches. If putting manures etc in the soil do it 4-6 weeks before planting. Wet it a few times and turn it over a couple of times also before planting - to mix it in the soil and help it break down. What is lot fertiliser??
Showing 61 - 70 of 321 comments

Just separate a small part of the husk and have a look at the kernels. If they are a bright yellow and nice and plump then they are ready. Don't leave on the plant for too long after this time as the can start to dry and harden.

- Mike

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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