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.

Your comments and tips

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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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26 Feb 15, Graham (Australia - tropical climate)
I would use chilli or garlic oil Chilli would be the best
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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"?

- Wendy Wong

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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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