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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07 Jan 19, (Australia - temperate climate)
I have planted sweet corn from commercial seed in Melbourne and the stems are growing well, but instead of corn heads of corn i have a grain sprig which I think is maize sprouts. What is happening?
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10 Jan 19, Jamie Graham (Australia - temperate climate)
It's all good. Sweet corn have male and female parts. The female parts become the cob of corn. The male parts grow from the head of the plant (the tassel) that bear pollen grains on the anthers. The pollen grains fall and fertilize the female 'silks'. You may help pollination by giving the stalks a bit of a shake to release the pollen grains. If you have never grown corn before you are in for a treat,
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08 Jan 19, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Don't really get what you are on about. Sweet corn is maize just it is sweet and not starchy. Sometimes you have little side cobs form that don't have much husk and the corn cob comes out with kernels showing. Probably a bit deformed. I suggest you buy seed from a internet seller or nursery/Bunnings.
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01 Jan 19, Rita Sciacca (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have corn plants growing but at the side of the plants is another shoot. Am I supposed to cut away this extra shoot. My mum says that you need to remove this extra shoot as it takes away energy from the main plant. Your advice appreciated.
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05 Jan 19, Mike Logan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You could do either - leave it or cut it off. If you had/have good pollination, fertiliser and watering it will produce a good size cob. I don't bother and I had 9-10
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02 Dec 18, Wayne cronin (Australia - temperate climate)
In the past I have grown sweet corn but the cobs get attacked by an orange beetle with black spots, (pumpkin beetle)? They attack through the silks. How do I deter these beetles before they start please?
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06 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I think you may have
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07 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I think you have lady bug/bird/beetles. They are good.
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03 Dec 18, Paula (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Wayne, You could try planting your corn seeds in pots and putting them in a greenhouse or a shade clothed area. That's how I'm growing mine this year. Hope this helps.
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02 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
A simple way would be to place a small cover/bag/sock/plastic bag with a few small holes (???) over them to stop the beetle getting in there. You can go on the internet and find fruit bags from China. Cost about 20c each - have to wait for about 2-3 weeks to receive them.
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Showing 121 - 130 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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