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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
28 Jun 20, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
If you can stand your pot near a sunny window, you might be able to keep the sweetcorn growing. Protect it from cold temperatures and make sure it has plenty of light -
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Jun 20, Wendy Mingorance (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a sweet corn 2cm just growing starting do I have to leave it under shade from heavy rain I take good care of it place them in nice pots I adore from seedlings what should I do ?
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Jun 20, wayne (Australia - temperate climate)
Corn is a summer crop, should be put in around late oct to dec. lots of water and I think good nutrient
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Jun 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I suggest you google
Reply or Post a new comment
29 May 20, Jack (Australia - tropical climate)
What is the good time for Maize harvesting?? Our place is tropical, had a winter for short period of time, summer start from September till March.
Reply or Post a new comment
30 May 20, Anonymous (Australia - tropical climate)
11-14 weeks after planting. Read the comments here Gardenate - the info is in the notes.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Apr 20, Colin and Taksan (Australia - temperate climate)
Our corn has grown well but on opening it to check there were caterpillars eating it. What is the best way to control these?
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Apr 20, (Australia - temperate climate)
If they don't eat much just cut the damaged section off. That is what I do. Caused by the heliothis moth. Look on the internet for a spray.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Apr 20, Pamela MATHEWS (Australia - tropical climate)
Hellow .. what is the best way to plant corn..eg:in rows or bunch in together..first time grower..thank you
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Plant 2-3-4 rows about 80-90cm between rows. When plants are about 40-50cm high run some fertiliser down each side of the plant and then hill the soil up around the plants. Makes the plant more stable in the ground.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 71 - 80 of 417 comments
See comments for all plants

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).

- Max

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.