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 16°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 30 cm apart
  • Harvest in 11-14 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): All beans, cucumber, melons, peas, pumpkin, squash, amaranth
  • Avoid growing close to: Celery.
  • A seedling
  • A young corn plant
  • Feathery cobs on side of stem. Male flowers at top.

Plant in 4 by 4 blocks to encourage germination Pick when the silky threads on the cobs turn brown or black. Part the top of the leaves and test for ripeness by pressing a grain with your fingernail. If it is milky, it is ready.

Early varieties ripen quickly and are sweeter when just picked.

Avoid planting coloured maize ( for drying) near sweetcorn as they will cross-pollinate and spoil the cobs on both.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Sweet corn

Pick and cook within an hour. Remove the silks and outer leaves.
Best flavour if microwave about 4 minutes per cob.
Can be barbequed wrapped in foil
Cook large amounts in a stock pot until test soft.
Sprinkle with black pepper and dip in butter.

Your comments and tips

01 Jul 16, Katie N (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I want to plant the 3 sisters, corn (maize), beans and squash, for my zone (9b) both beans and squash can be planted in Aug/Sep but I've missed the cut off for sweetcorn. Has anyone had experience of planting maize in this climate at this time? Will it work or am I likely to be disappointed? Thanks for any help. Katie
12 Jun 17, (USA - Zone 5a climate)
In order to have a later harvest when is the last date in my time zone that I can plant sweet corn. We already have first planting in.
05 Apr 20, Deborah Hornberger (USA - Zone 10b climate)
What is the best variety of sweet corn I can plant now.
17 Jul 20, Sarah (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Can I plant corn in mid July in zone.8a?
07 Aug 20, Liz (USA - Zone 8a climate)
If you are zone 8a, click on Vegetables and Herbs tab, go to sweet corn and look it up. Set your zone at the top of the page. Check planting times and follow the suggested planting methods.
10 Aug 20, Jesus E Amaya (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Is the a particular variety of sweet corn I should plant in Zone 10b?
11 Aug 20, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Not really, comes down to what kind of sweet corn you like. Or ask around local people who grow sweet corn in your area. I grow a bi-color variety in warm climates in Australia.
03 Oct 20, Brian Halse (USA - Zone 10b climate)
How tall should the Sweet Corn be before planting the beans?
08 Oct 20, (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Probably 30cm or so.
12 Feb 21, Pamela Newman (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Names of sweet corn grown in Goleta CA. Zone 9b, please. Thank you!!!
Showing 1 - 10 of 33 comments

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.

- C. B.

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.