Growing Sweet corn, also maize
(Zea mays, var. rugosa)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| P | P | P |
(Best months for planting Sweet corn in USA - Zone 5a regions)
P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.
- 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.
- Space plants: 8 - 12 inches apart
- Harvest in 11-14 weeks.
- Compatible with: All beans, cucumber, melons, peas, pumpkin, squash, amaranth
- Avoid growing with: Celery.
- A seedling
- A young corn plant
- Feathery cobs on side of stem. Male flowers at top.
Frost tender Plant in 4 by 4 blocks to encourage germination Pick when the silky threads on the cobs turn brown or black. Part the top of the leaves and test for ripeness by pressing a grain with your fingernail. If it is milky, it is ready.
Early varieties ripen quickly and are sweeter when just picked.
Avoid planting coloured maize ( for drying) near sweetcorn as they will cross-pollinate and spoil the cobs on both.
Culinary hints - cooking and eating Sweet corn
Pick and cook within an hour. Remove the silks and outer leaves.
Best flavour if microwave about 4 minutes per cob.
Can be barbequed wrapped in foil
Cook large amounts in a stock pot until test soft.
Sprinkle with black pepper and dip in butter.
Planting reminders
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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