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
T T T         T T T T T
P P           P P P P P

(Best months for growing Sweet corn in Australia - sub-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 16°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 30 cm 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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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.
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05 Apr 20, Robyn (Australia - tropical climate)
I’ve always though corn was super hardy. My plants are about 3 weeks old, decent size and some little green caterpillars (about 1cm long) smashing it. Please help, what can I do? Natural solution?
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06 Apr 20, Jenni (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, we use a mix of 1 tablespoon molasses to 1 litre water on caterpillars in corn, swamp lilies, and new cycad leaves. Molasses is available in 2 litre containers from produce stores. Good luck.
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06 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Go to iView (ABC TV) on the internet and find Landline from yesterday Sunday 5/04/20 and watch the show. There is a story about the army worm (I think) that has just arrived in Northern Australia in particular Qld that is hammering sweet corn/maize.
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05 Apr 20, Deborah Hornberger (USA - Zone 10b climate)
What is the best variety of sweet corn I can plant now.
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23 Mar 20, Dale Winton (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi, Just wondering if it is a problem to plant sweet corn in trays and transplanting once bigger? Thanks Dale
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06 Jun 20, Crystal (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Dale I planted mine that way last season and had no issues
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24 Mar 20, Chris (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I think they transplant ok. They sell corn seedlings in seed trays at Bunnings.
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24 Mar 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It is very easy to germinate corn in the garden. Plant into wet soil or give a good watering after planting and don't water again for 3-4 days depending if it is hot or warm. If you over water them they will rot. You can do in trays but as mention above be careful with watering. Transplant when about 75-100mm high, don't leave it until they are 300mm high. Sane applies to bean and peas.
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08 Jul 21, Janr (Australia - tropical climate)
Thnx for this advice. Some areas border on Sub-and Tropical which can be confusing. I tried corn a few years ago. The cobs seemed to shrivel up 'n die. I'm thinking of giving it another go. Interesting to see they don't like being too wet.
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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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