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 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.
  • 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

14 Feb 24, gugu dlamini (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
CORN701 does not grow in the ground I tried several times, it grew once after that it doesn't. Second time seeds became big and never progressed in the ground.
12 Feb 24, Chris (USA - Zone 6a climate)
What is the Ideal sweet corn variety for growing in zone 6a?
25 Jan 24, Dot (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Is it ok to plant brassica (not celery) after corn, in the same spot?
30 Jan 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes
23 Jun 23, John dodgson (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
When did they start growing corn in the wester Cape?
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?
Showing 1 - 10 of 411 comments

Perth: This impressive crop does take up a bit of room but it's well worth it; the sweetness of fresh picked home-grown sweet corn is hard to beat. Plant from September through to January. Preparing the site Choose a sunny site that’s protected from strong winds. Sweet corn is a hungry crop so it’s important to enrich your soil before planting. Add a plenty of aged manure and a handful of blood & bone per square metre and fork it in well. Sweet corn will do well in a bed that’s previously grown healthy peas or beans. In the right conditions, each plant will usually produce 2 ears of corn. Planting Plant seedlings or seeds (ensure seeds are fresh). Space 30cm apart and plant in blocks rather than a single long row. Planting in blocks assists pollination which is essential for the development of kernels. Plant early and late varieties in separate blocks for a longer season. Water seeds well after planting then sparingly until germination occurs as the seeds can rot easily. When the stalks are about 20cm high, mound the soil up against the stalks. This process, called hilling, encourages more roots to grow which will help stabilise the plant during windy conditions. You can also achieve the same result by planting the seeds in a furrow and backfilling as the plants grow. Watering and fertilising Once the plants are well underway it’s important to ensure an adequate moisture level, especially since the plants will be at their peak of fruit production over the hot months. Drip irrigate if possible and mulch well to retain moisture. As soon as the tassel appears at the top of the plant, give the soil a boost with a granular fertiliser that’s high in nitrogen. Insufficient pollination results in ears of corn with lots of missing kernels. Planting sweet corn in one long single row can result in most of the pollen being blown away, which is why gardeners plant corn in blocks instead.Can be hand pollinated by cutting off a pollen-laden tassel each day and gently brushing over the silks . Sweet corn is ready to pick 2-3 weeks after pollination and it's important to keep up the water during this time.

- 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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