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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06 Jun 20, Crystal (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Dale I planted mine that way last season and had no issues
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24 Mar 20, Chris (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I think they transplant ok. They sell corn seedlings in seed trays at Bunnings.
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24 Mar 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It is very easy to germinate corn in the garden. Plant into wet soil or give a good watering after planting and don't water again for 3-4 days depending if it is hot or warm. If you over water them they will rot. You can do in trays but as mention above be careful with watering. Transplant when about 75-100mm high, don't leave it until they are 300mm high. Sane applies to bean and peas.
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08 Jul 21, Janr (Australia - tropical climate)
Thnx for this advice. Some areas border on Sub-and Tropical which can be confusing. I tried corn a few years ago. The cobs seemed to shrivel up 'n die. I'm thinking of giving it another go. Interesting to see they don't like being too wet.
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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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Showing 101 - 110 of 432 comments
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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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