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
        P P            

(Best months for growing Sweet corn in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • 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 61°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 - 12 inches 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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04 Jan 16, fill Italiano (Australia - temperate climate)
i would like to know if mid jane is a good time to plant sweetcorn in Perth w a i am in a temperate area also a tip on when to seeding time for vegetables thank you
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12 Jan 16, Andy (Australia - arid climate)
Hi :-) personally I would call perth arid climate zone meaning a bit later. However I dont think it would hurt it to plant it in June/ July. So long is you won't get frost.
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20 Dec 15, Richard (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi. My corn looks healthy and has grown tassels producing plenty of pollen but no silk or ears have developed. Will they grow later and can I store pollen to pollinate if they do or is it all over ? Do you know what maybe causing this? Many thanks Richard
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25 Aug 15, Mpilo Nyathi (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in NSW Finley Can l start planting my corn now ? I enjoy African corn which eventually makes meallie meal powder.l have not been able to find seeds for that type However l also like sweet corn Please help
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30 Jan 16, Allby (Australia - temperate climate)
Mpilo, I recently bought the maize seeds you are looking for, from Springbok Foods in Queensland.
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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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Showing 151 - 160 of 328 comments
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Perth: This impressive crop does take up a bit of room but it's well worth it; the sweetness of fresh picked home-grown sweet corn is hard to beat. Plant from September through to January. Preparing the site Choose a sunny site that’s protected from strong winds. Sweet corn is a hungry crop so it’s important to enrich your soil before planting. Add a plenty of aged manure and a handful of blood & bone per square metre and fork it in well. Sweet corn will do well in a bed that’s previously grown healthy peas or beans. In the right conditions, each plant will usually produce 2 ears of corn. Planting Plant seedlings or seeds (ensure seeds are fresh). Space 30cm apart and plant in blocks rather than a single long row. Planting in blocks assists pollination which is essential for the development of kernels. Plant early and late varieties in separate blocks for a longer season. Water seeds well after planting then sparingly until germination occurs as the seeds can rot easily. When the stalks are about 20cm high, mound the soil up against the stalks. This process, called hilling, encourages more roots to grow which will help stabilise the plant during windy conditions. You can also achieve the same result by planting the seeds in a furrow and backfilling as the plants grow. Watering and fertilising Once the plants are well underway it’s important to ensure an adequate moisture level, especially since the plants will be at their peak of fruit production over the hot months. Drip irrigate if possible and mulch well to retain moisture. As soon as the tassel appears at the top of the plant, give the soil a boost with a granular fertiliser that’s high in nitrogen. Insufficient pollination results in ears of corn with lots of missing kernels. Planting sweet corn in one long single row can result in most of the pollen being blown away, which is why gardeners plant corn in blocks instead.Can be hand pollinated by cutting off a pollen-laden tassel each day and gently brushing over the silks . Sweet corn is ready to pick 2-3 weeks after pollination and it's important to keep up the water during this time.

- Mike

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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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