Growing Sweet corn, also corn,maize

Zea mays, var. rugosa : Poaceae / the grass family

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov
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

18 Mar 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate): Corn should be planted in blocks, that is 2-3 or more rows for pollination reasons. It is probably up to you - do you want say 20 x 30mm+ pots. When plants are 1.2-1.8m high they can blow over in the wind.
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Mar 21, Wendy Wong (Australia - sub-tropical climate): I am coming to the end of my Corn harvest. I have noticed that the corn is now poker dotted with white & yellow corn. All of my corn is from the same seeds I just staggered the planting to have corn for longer. Also the caterpillars are more frequent as are the gaps in the corn. Are all these normal for end of season "problems"?
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Mar 21, Anonymous (Australia - arid climate): You probably have some bicolour seeds mixed in with your normal seeds. Caterpillers are probably due to more rain this time of year for breeding. Gaps in the corn kernels is from poor pollination, windy when pollination is happening. Pollination happens over 4-5 days, run your hand up the tassel then rub on the silks. Also plant more than one row at a time. (Or in a square)
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Mar 21, Wendy Wong (Australia - sub-tropical climate): Thank You. This information is much appreciated.
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Oct 20, Mason Wong (Australia - sub-tropical climate): I am growing corn for the 1st time & I seem to be winning, except, I have noticed the soil around the bottom of the stems is falling away as they are growing bigger, and the roots are showing a little. Is this normal? I keep covering them up but worry I may damage the corn. It is strong and healthy and they were dug in deep 45cm when planted. I just want to know if this is normal & are they air roots?
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Oct 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate): I hill the soil up around the plant when they are about 30-40cm high. This gives them soil for the roots to grow in. I also run a little fertiliser beside the plant before hilling up.
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Oct 20, Liz (Australia - arid climate): Sweetcorn does look as though the roots are showing as it grows taller. They help to support the plant and are quite normal.
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

Showing 11 - 20 of 328 comments

See comments for all plants

Replying to:

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

Your name

Where are you?

Email address

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

Your reply

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

Gardenate

Keep your garden growing - see what to plant right now

Growing Sweet corn, also corn,maize

Zea mays, var. rugosa : Poaceae / the grass family

Your comments and tips

Gardenate

Keep your garden growing - see what to plant right now

Growing Sweet corn, also corn,maize

Zea mays, var. rugosa : Poaceae / the grass family

Your comments and tips

Become A Supporter!

Planting Reminders