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 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

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20 Oct 24, K-M Bourke (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I never have much success growing from seed but I really want to level up my gardening. How much sun do I allow my seedling trays to get. In a sub-tropical climate the sun can be very intense on hot days and can dry them out very quickly. Should I use a greenhouse or is that too shady? How often should you water them? I assume the trays should be moist the whole time while they are germinating? Any advice would be appreciated.
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28 Oct 24, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Soak the seeds over night in a bowl/glass of water. Plant them into a fine potting mix soil. Give them a watering.. Don't water for 2-3 days. Keep in the shade or only a little sun each day. If soil drying out use a spray bottle to moisten the top of the soil. Or do similarly into the garden. Put some shade over them. Don't over water - they will rot. I have had trouble myself the last few years. Or just buy punnet from Bunnings/? - a lot simpler and easier.
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16 Nov 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Continued - I bought some from Bunnings - tasted horrible.
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06 Jun 21, Barry (Australia - temperate climate)
Best time to grow corn temperate area (Check here : www.gardenate.com/plant/Sweet corn?zone=2 Editor )
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17 Mar 21, GLORIA (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can i plant corn maize in pots?
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14 Apr 21, Brad (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You sure can I grew corn in pots last season, I used 500x390mm pots from bunnings (the biggest plastic pots they had) I had 9 pots in total in a cube with 3 corn plants in each one and they grew well, those pots are way to heavy for the wind to blow over. I have also used milk crates if you have any of them lying around just chop up your old compost bags and line the inside of the crates and fill, they're really easy to move around they're actually easier to move around then the big plastic pots haha.
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18 Mar 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Corn should be planted in blocks, that is 2-3 or more rows for pollination reasons. It is probably up to you - do you want say 20 x 30mm+ pots. When plants are 1.2-1.8m high they can blow over in the wind.
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07 Mar 21, Wendy Wong (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am coming to the end of my Corn harvest. I have noticed that the corn is now poker dotted with white & yellow corn. All of my corn is from the same seeds I just staggered the planting to have corn for longer. Also the caterpillars are more frequent as are the gaps in the corn. Are all these normal for end of season "problems"?
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08 Mar 21, Anonymous (Australia - arid climate)
You probably have some bicolour seeds mixed in with your normal seeds. Caterpillers are probably due to more rain this time of year for breeding. Gaps in the corn kernels is from poor pollination, windy when pollination is happening. Pollination happens over 4-5 days, run your hand up the tassel then rub on the silks. Also plant more than one row at a time. (Or in a square)
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14 Mar 21, Wendy Wong (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thank You. This information is much appreciated.
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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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