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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31 Oct 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When planting very small seedlings protect them with some shade for 5-7 days. Transplant seedlings when they are 75-100mm high. Seasol is not fertiliser, it is a soil conditioner. Go and buy some fertiliser (organic or chemical). Wait until the plants have grown to 150mm high then fert lightly. Do again a month later, this time use more fertiliser - read the instructions. Buy a 2-3 kg packet of fert. The little tubs of fert are a rip off. When growing corn plant 2-3-4 rows 600mm apart for pollination reasons. Corn needs lots of fert and water.
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21 Jul 19, Barbara (Australia - tropical climate)
Can you tell me what the best variety of sweet corn is for the tropics, and is it too late in the year to plant it here (Darwin NT)? It is currently our Dry Season - ie no rain at all. Thank you.
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15 Aug 19, Linda (Australia - tropical climate)
I have just bought seeds from Eden seeds for Bali corn, which is suited to tropics and will give two cobs per plant. I haven't planted yet, tho that is why I'm looking a t comments for any hints.
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22 Jul 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You can plant it any month except Dec. Try Sweet Corn Bi- Colour from BOONDIE SEEDS on the internet. I usually buy several packets at a time. Plant several rows 2.5' apart. When plants are 18 (?)
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31 Jul 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When the plants are 40cm high run a thin line of fertiliser down each side of the plants and then hill the soil up around the plants. This will give the plant better anchorage to the ground and produce a good strong plant.
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19 Mar 19, Irene (Australia - temperate climate)
I have found 2 corn cobs with lots of corn plants 2 inches long ,growing in worm farm Is it worth planting them in garden now March 19th .
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01 Feb 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What should I be feeding my corn with please ?
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03 Feb 19, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Fertiliser.
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27 Jan 19, Michael (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Advice needed: *what species of corn to grow in subtropics (Northern NSW, Australia). *what desities (2, 3, 4 rows, how far apart)? Thanks all.
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29 Jan 19, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Plant 20cm apart rows 60-70cm apart. 15-20 seeds in 2-3 rows Try Boondie seeds on the internet – variety “bicolour” nice and sweet.
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Greg, I'm at Albion Park NSW 2527. Can you better explain the 3 sisters method of growing corn and beans? When you say, '2mx2mm squares', how many corn plants and bean plants should I put in per plot? Also, distance apart, etc. Do I plant the corn and beans at the same time? Would it work with corn and snow peas as well? The more detailed your response, the better..... Thanks for your help, Rob.

- Rob

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