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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24 Aug 14, Anna (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Has anyone grown gem corn? Know where to get seeds?
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14 Sep 14, Kbot (Australia - temperate climate)
Try here: • Diggers • Eden Seeds or if you are in WA try Merri Bee Farm Happy gardening :)
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05 May 14, craig (Australia - temperate climate)
Use pyrethrum for ants, the grubs don't like it much either. It is a safer less toxic option. A fresh chilli mix in water also works but isn't pleasant on a windy day when applying. Try not to be too nosey and open the cobbs for a look as this allows access for pests to get in. Let the silks die down to a dead brown and you will get what you get, leaving them longer wont help they are done.
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19 Feb 14, Natalie (Australia - temperate climate)
I am growing corn for the first time and have struck a problem. I planted them in October and noticed the tops have turned brown. I picked some but one only had about 3 kernels and the others didn't have any. They smelt ready for picking too. Did I pick too early?
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10 Aug 14, Naomi (Australia - temperate climate)
There aren't many kernels because they didn't pollinate. You can self-pollinate by grabbing the pollen off the tassels (at the top) and sprinkling onto the silk threads. Worked well for us!
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17 Feb 14, John (Australia - temperate climate)
hi .can you tell me how we can stop ants eating our corn . just lost 15 plants for the second time . they eat the corn itself not the plant .
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27 Jan 14, Eve Hjort (Australia - temperate climate)
I have grubs in my corn cobs how do I get rid of them
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25 Jan 14, Peter (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
do you remove the seeds off the cob to dry out or just leave them on the cob.
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23 Jan 14, Robyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Does anyone have suggestions for 'Scarecrows' or other alternatives to keep the birds away?
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11 Jan 14, Sam (Australia - temperate climate)
My sweet corn has prolific growth of side-stalks emerging from the base of each plant. Is this normal, and should the additional stalks be removed to encourage growth and production from the main stalk?
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We have tried to grow corn, but it comes out claggy when we go to eat it. It appears OK, but the texture isn't right. Anyone have any suggestions on what may cause this?

- Julie

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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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