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

20 Nov 22, Pam Thies (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Zone 9b can corn be started in ghse. and transplanted into outside raised bed?
04 Dec 22, (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Transfer when about 6' high.
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.
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.
18 Mar 22, Elise Blanchard (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Is it too late to plant corn here in zone 7b?
19 Mar 22, Elder (USA - Zone 7b climate)
No, to be safe succession plant. Starting late Feb. thru Mar.
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!
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.
06 Jul 22, C. B. (USA - Zone 7b climate)
I got great information on using fabric grow bag planters from YouTube. Her channel name: Growfully with Jenna / Title of video: Can I Grow Sweet Corn in a Container? Absolutely! / Date published: Sep 1, 2020 / Length of video: 5:39 She suggests using 20 gallon grow bag planters. No smaller. She suggests making 6 holes in soil with 2 seeds in each hole and thin if need be. She says she does two seeds because every now and then, you'll get a seed that won't germinate. I hope this helps. Please check out her video. :) P.S. She does discuss the type of soil to use because corn is a very heavy feeder. She says use 50% mushroom compost and 50% garden soil.
29 Aug 21, anon (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Try and buy some soil or find free or cheap soil and improve your soil with manures and compost.
Showing 11 - 20 of 31 comments

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.

- Mike

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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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