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.

Your comments and tips

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30 Oct 19, Anishka (Australia - temperate climate)
Hiya i got given two shoots of sweetcorn, one about1inch high & the other is double in size (height) & i have just planted them both in the ground ... Just wondering if replanted wrong or too early.. Im in Vic melbourne... Its gonna b hot tday n stsying in the 20degrees all week... Also is seasol a good enough fertiliser ? Or? Will have more questions again soon no doubt (growing my collection of 24 seeds) thankyou kindly from the newbie in outdoor gardening)
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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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16 Jul 19, Peter field (New Zealand - temperate climate)
We havnt had a frost up in the far north(kiataia) for zonks. I have wet ground temp of 13 deg . Can i plant corn
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17 Jul 19, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
It does say plant from - Sept. Soil temp 16+. We are in July - have a think about it. Do something about trying to dry out your soil. Add decompose compost or manures to aerate the soil - have good loose soil - not heavy wet soil. Corn is a summer - autumn crop so the thing about frost is not important.
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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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Showing 101 - 110 of 418 comments
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Colleen, the shallow soil shouldn't be a problem as sweetcorn has a fibrous root system and is shallow rooted. The most important thing is too keep the moisture up and keep them well mulched if soil is shallow. If cobs are small due to not all kerels developing, this due to lack of pollination. Follow the instructions on the site and plant in blocks. Regards.

- willo

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