Your comments and tips

22 Mar 20, kishinchand chellaram (Australia - temperate climate)

Hi I plant sweet corn and is growing since January . so I want to know when it is ripe to eat it. thanks

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24 Mar 20, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)

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.

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24 Mar 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

When the tassel (spear) comes out the top, over the next 5 days it will pollinate and then it takes around 21 days until ready to pick. Around this time just peel back a little of the top of a cob to see what it looks like. You will soon learn to judge it right.

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02 Feb 20, Enia (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)

Where can I buy fresh maize to eat please

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03 Feb 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Maize is generally the term for corn that is high in starch. Corn for boiling bbq etc is sweet corn or super sweet corn. Buy it at a supermarket or garden markets when in season. I grow sweet corn a lot of the year.

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02 Jan 20, Safoa (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)

Please what are the requirements for growing sweet corn in the tropics

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04 Jan 20, Another gardener (Australia - tropical climate)

The biggest problem with growing sweet corn is germinating the seed. The ground should be moist when planting the seeds. Give a light watering after planting. Don't water again for 3-5 days depend on how hot it is. If the soil is too wet the seeds will just rot. If really hot weather try and cover with shade cloth or protect them from the hot part of the day. Once they are growing plenty of fertiliser and water.

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27 Jan 20, Cindy (Australia - temperate climate)

Always plant at least 3 seeds in each spot as I find they don't always germinate. It's good to have back up.

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18 Nov 19, Bill conry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

1. How do you know when Corn is ready to harvest? @ How many cobs can you expect from just one plant ( i have six plants which are pretty near harvesting - I think they seem to have 2 - 3 cobbs per plant?

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19 Nov 19, Another gardener (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

When the tassel (the flowery part that comes out the top of the plant) comes out the top, pollination will take place for the next 4-6 days. A rule of thumb is 21 days after pollination. The silky threads at the top of the cob will turn brown and then black. After they have turned brown feel the cob with your hand. It should feel bulked up (thickish). Peel a little of the husk down the cob to see the kernels, if small and pale in colour, not ready yet. If nice kernels and good yellow colour right to pick. If the kernels are looking sunken and dry it is too late. Generally 1-2 cobs per plant. In future plant several rows to achieve better pollination. I give my corn plenty of fert and water when growing.

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