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

23 Oct 13, Kite (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thanks a bunch to whoever who created this website.
15 Oct 13, TONY (Australia - temperate climate)
When you say avoid planting with ,is there a distance you go by, eg. is ten metres enough
27 Oct 13, Ferran (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Depends why it is bad to grow it with it. Some anti companion plants attract the same bugs while others emit natural chemicals that hinder each other, some cross pollinate or need different conditions from one another. I do not know why Celery should not be planted with corn but 10meters should be plenty Have you tried an Aztec plot when growing corn? 3 crops from same patch. 16 corn 3 squash, zucchini or pumpkin and 1 bean growing up each corn plant (for nitrogen) per meter square. - Ferran
03 Nov 13, Zelle (Australia - temperate climate)
Aztec plot - sounds interesting! How do I find out more detail on how to plant one? Googled, but not much comes up. Thanks!
01 Dec 13, Michael (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Try googling 'three sisters' planting technique.
07 Oct 13, Lilian (Australia - tropical climate)
i do grow African sweet corn.great.can cook corn and bean, koki corn. Oh home sweet home that i missed
18 Sep 13, Jack (USA - Zone 2a climate)
why cant you grow corn with celery
16 Jul 13, northy (Australia - tropical climate)
try gently tapping the corn stalks with a broom handle in the middle of the day to allow pollen to drop over the plant.. i do this everyday while the corn is flowering and i get excellent results
20 May 13, Rebecca (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi, I planted corn 4 weeks ago. They are now seedlings, but all these ants have taken up to living inside them. Also, there is a jumping, ant sized insect in there as well. I am worried that the insect will eat the flowers. Any info/ideas?
25 Feb 13, Justine (Australia - temperate climate)
Would someone please advise if I should cut the top out of my corn? It is over 6 feet tall and I am worried the growth is going in height and not into the cobs? I live in Tassie and have had a hot summer for us this year. I have mulched in sugar cane and the corn has thrived from this...
Showing 191 - 200 of 323 comments

Our corn has grown well but on opening it to check there were caterpillars eating it. What is the best way to control these?

- Colin and Taksan

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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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