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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
27 Nov 13, Angel (Australia - temperate climate)
when is it the best time to plant sweet corn
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Nov 13, jeanne baker (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
the question how to grow corn. Corn does not like too much water. If you grow pumpkin, plant corn with it. Neither of them like to be watered too much. Just a short watering by hand held hose in the mornings is usually all that is needed, but of course you must also mulch. Sugar cane is good for this
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Nov 13, Roger (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I planted sweet corn seedlings a week ago. The tips of the leaves are turning brown. Not sure why. Seedlings are in full sun and have been watered every day.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Mar 14, Mathew (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi It always depends on your climate and how much water your giving them, remember they don't like too much water. if your leaves are squishy they're being watered too much. if they're dry there not getting enough water.
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Dec 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
i had this problem and read it may be not enough nitrogen, so i used some nitrogen rich liquid fertilizer and the brown leaf ends are now gone.
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Oct 13, Kite (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thanks a bunch to whoever who created this website.
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Oct 13, TONY (Australia - temperate climate)
When you say avoid planting with ,is there a distance you go by, eg. is ten metres enough
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Oct 13, Ferran (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Depends why it is bad to grow it with it. Some anti companion plants attract the same bugs while others emit natural chemicals that hinder each other, some cross pollinate or need different conditions from one another. I do not know why Celery should not be planted with corn but 10meters should be plenty Have you tried an Aztec plot when growing corn? 3 crops from same patch. 16 corn 3 squash, zucchini or pumpkin and 1 bean growing up each corn plant (for nitrogen) per meter square. - Ferran
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Nov 13, Zelle (Australia - temperate climate)
Aztec plot - sounds interesting! How do I find out more detail on how to plant one? Googled, but not much comes up. Thanks!
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Dec 13, Michael (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Try googling 'three sisters' planting technique.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 191 - 200 of 328 comments
See comments for all plants

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

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.