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
T T T         T T T T T
P P           P P P P P

(Best months for growing Sweet corn in Australia - sub-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

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07 Feb 15, john (Australia - temperate climate)
my corn ears are white and small. why have i done wrong?
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15 Feb 15, Leah (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Perhaps they haven't been pollinated enough or gotten enough water.
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07 Jan 15, Rhonda (Australia - temperate climate)
I'd like to know how to dry the corn - it'd be good to have it on the cob for convenience. Some internet advice includes drying in the oven for extended periods of time. Can it be air dried?
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21 Dec 14, Mardi (Australia - temperate climate)
Should you cover the roots as they appear above the soil as they grow
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30 Dec 14, Di (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I cover the roots with extra compost or soil and mulch. It seems to help support the corn. Also don't forget to rub your hands through the tops to help the pollination process.
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11 Dec 14, Javier Ibarra (Australia - temperate climate)
Does anyone now where to buy kernel in Victoria to make corn flour? I appreciate your time and assistance! Javier
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07 Dec 14, Bert (Australia - temperate climate)
For cooking always leave the foliage on. Zap in the micro wave for 3 minutes and then take the leaf off. Best way. Worst way, boiling.
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02 Nov 14, Nives Walker (Australia - tropical climate)
Should you remove the shoots which grow from the base of the main plant??
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12 Nov 14, Brad (Australia - arid climate)
I would not remove them as they are tillers or extra extentions of the original plant that will produce extra cobs. More tillers = more cobs
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24 Oct 14, Bev Anderson (Australia - tropical climate)
Our corn is very attractive to 2 different bugs at present. A brown bi-coloured bug with long proboscis and a green bug. They seem to suck on the kernels and then the kernel turns brown. How should they be treated? Many thanks
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