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
S S S S S S S S S      
T T T T T T T T T T T  
P P P P P P P P P P P  

(Best months for growing Sweet corn in Australia - tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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 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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22 Oct 18, Robyn bongaarts (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Help. I have corn growing really well but I also have other babies growing on the Maine stem do I leave them or take them off. Thanks
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23 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Corn quite often has two cobs on the main stem. Quite often there are 2-3 stems growing. I just let them all grow.
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29 Aug 18, Peter Isaac (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, we have just moved into new home on the Bellarine in Vic, having moved from up in Murray river area of Echuca. and now we have retired, so I have prepared two garden beds approx 2m x 3m x 4cm high on the south side of our home this area is very well protected about 4 weeks ago we put Chicken poo and x 4 bags a lot fertelizes but it was not heavy type, also the dirt was a sandy loom which will retain water, we are holding off planting perhaps start next week which is early September on some seeds, we are looking forward to this experiance as up North it was very hot and working made it hard to keep up, so hear we go looking forward to everything and anyones advices, thanks Peter
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30 Aug 18, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Make sure you have 9-12
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02 Sep 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Make sure you have a good depth of soil - 9-12 inches. If putting manures etc in the soil do it 4-6 weeks before planting. Wet it a few times and turn it over a couple of times also before planting - to mix it in the soil and help it break down. What is lot fertiliser??
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26 Aug 18, Mokhethi (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
When is it best time to grow maize for first harvest? ?
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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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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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