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 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

09 Jan 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I have had an excellent first crop of sweet corn harvested in December. Each plant gave me one good corn kernel, even though two and sometimes three cobs were growing. Can you harvest two or three good corn cobs per plant or is it a myth? If so what is the secret?
20 Jun 17, Maurice (Australia - temperate climate)
It depends on the variety, some are far more productive than others. This year I grew Immali corn, it was pink/purple and white sweet corn. I got 3 cobs per plant.
25 Jan 17, Mark (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Got about 8-10 stalks of black chewey corn - been flowering for last week and have a few tassels also , however I was trying to manually pollinate them but when shake the flowers over a white pot don't seem to be any pollen just the small flower pieces fall off and lots lots small ants , also plants covered in small ants ? - some plants also have leaves dried up and crispy looking , they get watered daily had also plenty rain recently and they have been fed with organic pellets as well as compost . They also covered in mulch and have peanuts surrounding them .. Why no pollen and what to do if anything about the ants ? Thanks
12 Jan 16, AnnonRabbit (Australia - temperate climate)
Although I am by far not an expert, you can defiantly harvest 2 good ones. I have sweet corn and Wumpum with multiple good ears. I have seen 3 good ears (though not on mine) and I have even heard of numbers reaching to 4 but that may be a myth ;) As to how to obtain those numbers i am unsure!
05 Jan 16, (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can you buy zea mays corn plants in Melbourne?
06 Jan 16, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Eden Seeds online store have various maize seed varieties.
04 Jan 16, fill Italiano (Australia - temperate climate)
i would like to know if mid jane is a good time to plant sweetcorn in Perth w a i am in a temperate area also a tip on when to seeding time for vegetables thank you
12 Jan 16, Andy (Australia - arid climate)
Hi :-) personally I would call perth arid climate zone meaning a bit later. However I dont think it would hurt it to plant it in June/ July. So long is you won't get frost.
20 Dec 15, Richard (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi. My corn looks healthy and has grown tassels producing plenty of pollen but no silk or ears have developed. Will they grow later and can I store pollen to pollinate if they do or is it all over ? Do you know what maybe causing this? Many thanks Richard
25 Aug 15, Mpilo Nyathi (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in NSW Finley Can l start planting my corn now ? I enjoy African corn which eventually makes meallie meal powder.l have not been able to find seeds for that type However l also like sweet corn Please help
Showing 141 - 150 of 324 comments

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.