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 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.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
03 Sep 15, Ben (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Mpilo you can buy mealie meal from South African from shops on line in Australia
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27 Aug 15, Carol (Australia - tropical climate)
Sweet corn is a warm season plant, and should be sown only after all chance of frost has passed, usually around 14 days after your district's average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is from 21 deg C to 27 deg C, and ideal growing temperatures from 15 deg C to 30 deg C. So, depending upon your local conditions it may be best to wait for warmer days in Sept or even into October if your climate is somewhat cooler during these months. You can check out average temperature ranges for your district on the Bureau of Meteorology website.
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31 Aug 15, Edna Sabile (Australia - temperate climate)
very true, i'm waiting to get warm here in Marulan because i'm excited to plant corn this year
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14 Aug 15, jim (Australia - arid climate)
Jan..to keep birds away from cobs slip a plastic bag or stocking foot over the cob....problem solved
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22 Mar 15, Scott (Australia - temperate climate)
Why does my sweetcorn end up with no kernals on the cob. I prepared the soil with organic pellets and chicken manure but didn't have any luck.
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07 Jul 15, Steven (Australia - tropical climate)
Sounds like they weren't pollinated
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28 Feb 15, Francis (Australia - temperate climate)
Can you get coloured sweet corn in Australia? If so, where? They have heaps of types overseas, but the only coloured types I can find in Australia are not sweet corn.
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23 Dec 15, Jo (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes you can get diffrent colours, try ebay (check the seller is in Australia). I'm growing Inca purple corn that I bought from a local market... It's huge, I'm so excited!
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20 Jun 17, Maurice (Australia - temperate climate)
There are several varieties of coloured sweet corns available in Australia, please never buy them from ebay as you will rarely get what you order. Google search
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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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Showing 151 - 160 of 323 comments
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When planting very small seedlings protect them with some shade for 5-7 days. Transplant seedlings when they are 75-100mm high. Seasol is not fertiliser, it is a soil conditioner. Go and buy some fertiliser (organic or chemical). Wait until the plants have grown to 150mm high then fert lightly. Do again a month later, this time use more fertiliser - read the instructions. Buy a 2-3 kg packet of fert. The little tubs of fert are a rip off. When growing corn plant 2-3-4 rows 600mm apart for pollination reasons. Corn needs lots of fert and water.

- anon

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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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