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 May 17, Giovanni (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Late Spring is a good time to sow maize/corn in cooler areas. The soil temperature needs to be above 15 degrees before Summer crops will really take off. A soil thermometer is a good investment, they cost around $20.00.
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03 May 17, (Australia - temperate climate)
I have s quite a few PURPLE CORN which I grew a few years ago but over the last 2 years I have been unable to grow them again. Is there any information available about the best time an method to grow them in Sydney?. Thank you
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04 May 17, Sean (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Corn and maize do well if they have plenty of compost or manure and a good water supply. They can normally be planted as the weather warms up in spring. probably mid-September onwards in Sydney. You could also plant climbing beans to grow up the corn stalks once the corn has reached about waist high.
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03 May 17, Rae (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Best time to plant corn in Geraldton WA
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04 May 17, Ken (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Sow seed from September till the end of the year.
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30 Apr 17, zaakirah cassim (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What season does the mealies get harvested in South Africa
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02 May 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
You would normally harvest mealies when the stalks and leaves have dried off. This would generally be in May but seasons do vary. If you harvest them before they are properly dry they may be susceptible to mould. Store your mealies in a dry, airy place.
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03 Mar 17, Max (Australia - temperate climate)
We live in suburbs in Chatswood Sydney but as soon as the cobs form a rabbit turns up and eats all the corn (also the chillies).
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06 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
The rabbit stew sounds like a great idea!
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05 Mar 17, Simon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Max, Best trap the rabbit and enjoy a rabbit and vege stew.
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Showing 171 - 180 of 432 comments
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Ants can be a problem in the garden. You don't say in your note how many plants you have but if it is only a few you could smear a band of petroleum jelly around each stalk to trap them. Ants are also deterred by pepper. Buy some cheap pepper and sprinkle it liberally around the plants. this works well to stop ants stealing carrot seed, which they love. Regarding the ones that are nesting I don't have any suggestions. Maybe a small amount of kitchen washing up liquid mixed with water and sprayed onto the affected plants will suffocate them. Regarding chewing pests on your capsicums. Yates 'Natures Way' is a very saafe spray to use for caterpillars. I don't use synthetic sprays or chemicals in my garden. Trust this helps.

- John

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