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
        P P            

(Best months for growing Sweet corn in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • 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.
  • A seedling
  • A young corn plant
  • Feathery cobs on side of stem. Male flowers at top.

Plant in 4 by 4 blocks to encourage germination Pick when the silky threads on the cobs turn brown or black. Part the top of the leaves and test for ripeness by pressing a grain with your fingernail. If it is milky, it is ready.

Early varieties ripen quickly and are sweeter when just picked.

Avoid planting coloured maize ( for drying) near sweetcorn as they will cross-pollinate and spoil the cobs on both.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Sweet corn

Pick and cook within an hour. Remove the silks and outer leaves.
Best flavour if microwave about 4 minutes per cob.
Can be barbequed wrapped in foil
Cook large amounts in a stock pot until test soft.
Sprinkle with black pepper and dip in butter.

Your comments and tips

26 Apr 24, Natalia (USA - Zone 5b climate)
I don't have much space... has anyone had success with growing corn in a large raised bed? Thanks!
02 May 24, Brett (Australia - arid climate)
Corn takes a fair bit of water so keep the drink up to them. They do have a pretty good sized root system so it would depend on the depth of the raised bed. I've grown them OK in 600mm deep beds.
12 Feb 24, Chris (USA - Zone 6a climate)
What is the Ideal sweet corn variety for growing in zone 6a?
08 Jun 23, Jerry Pettersson (USA - Zone 12b climate)
Hello,I am about to start sweetcornfarming in Dar Es Salaam, Kigamboni, Tanzania. I intend to buy some different types of Sweetcorn to find out which type I should use. What do you recommend me to start with and fits for lowland, rain about 1200 mm per year, subtropical area, 2 rainperiods. Zone 12.The sweetcorn will be sold on the streets as boil and eaten as streetfood. I hope we will be able to plant the seeds all over the year for selling. Can you recommend different types which I can order and test in a little scale to see which type or types of your products works best for us? Also give me prices for the test. 50 or 100 seeds of each are enough. Before we place a larger order I must know which one works best in my area and environment. I looking forward for a fast response. I need the grains to be delivered to Sweden in a short time. Do you also have an WhatsApp telephone number where I can reach your support/service? If you can supply me with the right corn, can you give me an advice where to go for finding right products? Best regards Jerry Pettersson+46705556411
10 Jun 23, (USA - Zone 3b climate)
You need to contact a Government Agricultural Department in your country and talk to them about all of this. This website does not sell seeds or give advise on what kinds of seeds to plant. There is no WhatsApp phone or support here.
04 Jun 23, German Martinez (USA - Zone 8b climate)
What’s the best soil either potting mix or soil mix outdoors for growing corn from seeds
10 Jun 23, (USA - Zone 3b climate)
Just good rich soil.
25 May 23, Renee Bowman (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Something is eating my corn stalks leaves leaving holes in them and inside center of stalks looks like wet corn meal or mash can it still be salvaged and what could be causing this? How do I prevent and stop this infestation?
01 Jun 23, (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Check for big grubs.
08 Mar 23, harvey (USA - Zone 11b climate)
What organic corn varieties and organic soybean varieties grow well in climate zone 11A-11B?
Showing 1 - 10 of 33 comments

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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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