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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04 Jan 16, fill Italiano (Australia - temperate climate)
i would like to know if mid jane is a good time to plant sweetcorn in Perth w a i am in a temperate area also a tip on when to seeding time for vegetables thank you
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12 Jan 16, Andy (Australia - arid climate)
Hi :-) personally I would call perth arid climate zone meaning a bit later. However I dont think it would hurt it to plant it in June/ July. So long is you won't get frost.
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20 Dec 15, Richard (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi. My corn looks healthy and has grown tassels producing plenty of pollen but no silk or ears have developed. Will they grow later and can I store pollen to pollinate if they do or is it all over ? Do you know what maybe causing this? Many thanks Richard
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25 Aug 15, Mpilo Nyathi (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in NSW Finley Can l start planting my corn now ? I enjoy African corn which eventually makes meallie meal powder.l have not been able to find seeds for that type However l also like sweet corn Please help
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30 Jan 16, Allby (Australia - temperate climate)
Mpilo, I recently bought the maize seeds you are looking for, from Springbok Foods in Queensland.
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03 Sep 15, Ben (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Mpilo you can buy mealie meal from South African from shops on line in Australia
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27 Aug 15, Carol (Australia - tropical climate)
Sweet corn is a warm season plant, and should be sown only after all chance of frost has passed, usually around 14 days after your district's average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is from 21 deg C to 27 deg C, and ideal growing temperatures from 15 deg C to 30 deg C. So, depending upon your local conditions it may be best to wait for warmer days in Sept or even into October if your climate is somewhat cooler during these months. You can check out average temperature ranges for your district on the Bureau of Meteorology website.
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31 Aug 15, Edna Sabile (Australia - temperate climate)
very true, i'm waiting to get warm here in Marulan because i'm excited to plant corn this year
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14 Aug 15, jim (Australia - arid climate)
Jan..to keep birds away from cobs slip a plastic bag or stocking foot over the cob....problem solved
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22 Mar 15, Scott (Australia - temperate climate)
Why does my sweetcorn end up with no kernals on the cob. I prepared the soil with organic pellets and chicken manure but didn't have any luck.
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Showing 151 - 160 of 328 comments
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I understand your remark. - however you need to take into account that Pioneer (an excellent source for seeds) is located in Johnston, Iowa - and if I'm not mistaken has always been there- so yes they will know which seeds to sell you- that's real Expert advice. Additionally if you buy at your local co-op they probably stock only seeds that grow well in the area. They'll even tell you when and how to plant,care for, and harvest your crop. In other words they are making the variety, soil temp decisions for you. -and saying plant this, at such and such a time. I live in an area where the conditions change in less than 10km. - Vancouver Island - soil temps, wind chill can vary a lot so understanding this stuff can make the difference between a lush garden and a half dead garden. Planting, say, tomatoes outdoors can be delayed by 6 weeks if your getting a lot of night time wind chill (near the ocean or at a higher elevation). Your inland, flat, and have very uniform growing conditions, Your also in the corn discussion- which the breadbasket states (of which your state is one of) having been growing corn for longer then I can even guess at (250 years- and the Native American Indians before that)- even in Canada I know some of your sayings 'knee high by the 4th of July' which I'm guessing every breadbasket school child knows- so yes I Imagine you know when to plant corn. There are people who live in microclimates -and they may not have access to consultants (like your local co-op) that give information freely. So yes, they need to understand soil temps. Etc. Aditionally, person might want to grow a variety of something that is different (mail order) from what their local garden center has decided to sell. In which case they either investigate before they buy, or buy, plant and cross their fingers.

- Celeste Archer

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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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