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 16°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 30 cm 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

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25 May 16, Bob Dobbs (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes
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23 May 16, David (Australia - arid climate)
No why not use them as a support to grow some climber like sweet peas, beans, once these have finished then dig them out.
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07 May 16, Rosemary (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Phoebe. If you plant corn outside now it might germinate if you are lucky, but it won't grow much because it is too cold. Best time to plant it is in spring or early summer. You might like to try peas or broad beans for this time of the year. Both are easy to germinate and grow. If you are looking for a grassy type of plant to grow, try wheat or barley. Good luck.
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02 May 16, Phoebe (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I live in adelaide and I am planning to plant corn as part of my school project however I was wondering whether it could be planted in May eventhough its not a best season for it. Will it still germinate and grow?
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25 Mar 16, Greg (the buck) (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Grow your corn in 2mx2m squares. Plant squash & beans with them, it's an old method called the 3 sisters. Each plant gives good energy to the other. Try it. You will be blown away by the quality of your veg.
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22 Mar 16, Victoria (Australia - temperate climate)
you can use the stalks to grow your peas up.
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20 Mar 16, Eryn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How long can a one sweet corn plant produce for? We have just harvest corn from the plants, are they now useless and need to be replaced?
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16 Apr 16, Bob Dobbs (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes, they need to be replaced as they will not crop again. They will die off. All the best, Bob
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15 Jan 16, Elizabeth (Australia - temperate climate)
why can't you plant corn and celery together thanks
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09 Jan 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I have had an excellent first crop of sweet corn harvested in December. Each plant gave me one good corn kernel, even though two and sometimes three cobs were growing. Can you harvest two or three good corn cobs per plant or is it a myth? If so what is the secret?
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do you remove the seeds off the cob to dry out or just leave them on the cob.

- Peter

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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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