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

02 Jan 12, Shane Sowerby (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Is there anywhere in New Zealand where I can buy Purple Corn seed?
09 Sep 09, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Mike, 4 x 4 blocks means plant in 4 short rows, 4 plants to a row, so that the plants are fairly close together to increase the chance of cross-fertilisation as the pollen is wind blown. Mark, putting 2 seeds in together is because there is a chance that one will fail to grow.
17 Jan 09, Kiran Kumar M (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi my name is Kiran Kumar .M. from india, i am working in Some private company in that i have conducted temperate sweet corn trials and these trials revealed that it can be grown in sandy soils and plants are most susceptable to stem borer attack
Showing 21 - 23 of 23 comments

Corn needs BORON -- similar to sunflowers. Water once with the following: 4 liters (1 gal.) of water mixed with 2.5 mL (1⁄2 tsp.) of borax. This is your typical laundry borax - I use MULE Borax (The only ingredient in Borax is a naturally occurring mineral called sodium tetraborate. It's free of phosphates, chlorine and other chemicals.-- this is a salt - so only apply once or twice in a year). IF POSSIBLE - and this is not always possible -- plant a few teosintes plants nearby -- these are WILD corn and for some reason domesticated corn grows much better with a few teosintes around (there can be 3 teosintes for an acre of corn). The teosintes are know as corn coaches/grandparents and corn is much more productive when there grandparents are present -- yes this sounds folklore like -- but it has been proven - and does seem to work really well. Also corn benefits from rich soil/compost and lots of nitrogen to help them grow, followed by more potassium once they get to the stage when they are developing cobs. ‘Sweetcorn is a grass and so it loves nitrogen, especially in the early stages. However, applying too much once the cobs form will promote more vegetative growth rather than ripening the cobs. Hope this helps - good luck.

- Faith Celeste Archer

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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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