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 S S      
T T T T T T T T T T T  
P P P P P P P P P P P  

(Best months for growing Sweet corn in Australia - 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
07 Feb 15, john (Australia - temperate climate)
my corn ears are white and small. why have i done wrong?
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Feb 15, Leah (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Perhaps they haven't been pollinated enough or gotten enough water.
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Jan 15, Rhonda (Australia - temperate climate)
I'd like to know how to dry the corn - it'd be good to have it on the cob for convenience. Some internet advice includes drying in the oven for extended periods of time. Can it be air dried?
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Dec 14, Mardi (Australia - temperate climate)
Should you cover the roots as they appear above the soil as they grow
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Dec 14, Di (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I cover the roots with extra compost or soil and mulch. It seems to help support the corn. Also don't forget to rub your hands through the tops to help the pollination process.
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Dec 14, Javier Ibarra (Australia - temperate climate)
Does anyone now where to buy kernel in Victoria to make corn flour? I appreciate your time and assistance! Javier
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Dec 14, Bert (Australia - temperate climate)
For cooking always leave the foliage on. Zap in the micro wave for 3 minutes and then take the leaf off. Best way. Worst way, boiling.
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Nov 14, Nives Walker (Australia - tropical climate)
Should you remove the shoots which grow from the base of the main plant??
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Nov 14, Brad (Australia - arid climate)
I would not remove them as they are tillers or extra extentions of the original plant that will produce extra cobs. More tillers = more cobs
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Oct 14, Bev Anderson (Australia - tropical climate)
Our corn is very attractive to 2 different bugs at present. A brown bi-coloured bug with long proboscis and a green bug. They seem to suck on the kernels and then the kernel turns brown. How should they be treated? Many thanks
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 161 - 170 of 324 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Sweet corn

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.