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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31 Dec 22, William (USA - Zone 7a climate)
What is the recommended type sweet corn to grow in zone 7a?
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05 Jan 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 5a climate)
More about finding a variety you like. Some corns are starchy and some really sweet.
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20 Nov 22, Pam Thies (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Zone 9b can corn be started in ghse. and transplanted into outside raised bed?
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04 Dec 22, (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Transfer when about 6' high.
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19 May 22, Mike (USA - Zone 9a climate)
How much 33-0-0 Nitrate should I use on my sweet corn per 100 ft of row? My rows are pretty big, so I would say the corn is at least 2 feet apart from row to row. That said should I plant at the bottom of the rows, or closer to the plants? Thanks.
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24 May 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Is the 33-0-0 the NPK of the fertiliser? If so I would use a more balanced fertiliser 12-15N, 3-6P, 8-15K. Grow your corn to about 1.5 feet and then run a handfull down each side covering about 4-5' with each handfull. Then hill the soil up around the plants - new roots will grow and help stabilise the plants. If you want to fertilise before planting don't use 33N - it will burn the roots of new germinating plants. Spread the fertiliser over about 1' of the row width and rake/dig it into the soil before planting seeds.
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18 Mar 22, Elise Blanchard (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Is it too late to plant corn here in zone 7b?
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19 Mar 22, Elder (USA - Zone 7b climate)
No, to be safe succession plant. Starting late Feb. thru Mar.
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30 Jan 22, Margaret Hefner (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Everything wonderful to you and yours for 2022 and following! Wow, I was getting frustrated to find an endeavor that produced something that I can read, use, understand, not mis-understand... y'all are my new champions (as if champions ever get old). Welcome back, and glad to discover you, Margaret in Baja January 30! I have the whole year to be able to appreciate you!
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10 Aug 21, Saeed & Amina Hashmi (USA - Zone 10b climate)
can i grow corn in planters?If, yes any recommendation on planter size and number of corn seed per planter. I have very small area in backyard with very sandy soil and nothing grows there easily.
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Showing 21 - 30 of 43 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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