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

24 Aug 14, Anna (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Has anyone grown gem corn? Know where to get seeds?
14 Sep 14, Kbot (Australia - temperate climate)
Try here: • Diggers • Eden Seeds or if you are in WA try Merri Bee Farm Happy gardening :)
05 May 14, craig (Australia - temperate climate)
Use pyrethrum for ants, the grubs don't like it much either. It is a safer less toxic option. A fresh chilli mix in water also works but isn't pleasant on a windy day when applying. Try not to be too nosey and open the cobbs for a look as this allows access for pests to get in. Let the silks die down to a dead brown and you will get what you get, leaving them longer wont help they are done.
19 Feb 14, Natalie (Australia - temperate climate)
I am growing corn for the first time and have struck a problem. I planted them in October and noticed the tops have turned brown. I picked some but one only had about 3 kernels and the others didn't have any. They smelt ready for picking too. Did I pick too early?
10 Aug 14, Naomi (Australia - temperate climate)
There aren't many kernels because they didn't pollinate. You can self-pollinate by grabbing the pollen off the tassels (at the top) and sprinkling onto the silk threads. Worked well for us!
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 .
27 Jan 14, Eve Hjort (Australia - temperate climate)
I have grubs in my corn cobs how do I get rid of them
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.
23 Jan 14, Robyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Does anyone have suggestions for 'Scarecrows' or other alternatives to keep the birds away?
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?
Showing 171 - 180 of 323 comments

Thank You. This information is much appreciated.

- Wendy Wong

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