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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17 Feb 14, John (Australia - temperate climate)
hi .can you tell me how we can stop ants eating our corn . just lost 15 plants for the second time . they eat the corn itself not the plant .
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27 Jan 14, Eve Hjort (Australia - temperate climate)
I have grubs in my corn cobs how do I get rid of them
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25 Jan 14, Peter (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
do you remove the seeds off the cob to dry out or just leave them on the cob.
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23 Jan 14, Robyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Does anyone have suggestions for 'Scarecrows' or other alternatives to keep the birds away?
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11 Jan 14, Sam (Australia - temperate climate)
My sweet corn has prolific growth of side-stalks emerging from the base of each plant. Is this normal, and should the additional stalks be removed to encourage growth and production from the main stalk?
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24 Jan 14, nic (Australia - temperate climate)
yes
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22 Dec 13, bren stephens (Australia - temperate climate)
thank you so much for the great clear explanation. it is our first try at corn. bren
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19 Dec 13, bren (Australia - temperate climate)
We are trying to grow sweet corn in Coogee sydney. The plants are growing but the top 9 inches have turned to seed like things and lower down the stem there is feathery like fronds. Should I cut the seed like things off? Thanks in anticipation. Bren
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20 Dec 13, (Australia - arid climate)
Do NOT cut them off! That is where the pollen to fertilize the cobs comes from. The feathery bit or silks as they are known are there to receive the pollen. I hope this is not too late too save your corn.
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30 Nov 13, Allan (Australia - temperate climate)
Little black bugs. Very skinny, weaving in and around the kernels of my corn cobs. Does anyone have any ideas on what these are. About half the lengths of a typical kernel and half the thickness of the hairs on the corn. Thanks
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Showing 261 - 270 of 421 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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