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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 16°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
Space plants: 20 - 30 cm 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.

Your comments and tips

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?
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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...
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18 Apr 13, Richard (Australia - temperate climate): Don't cut the tops off. That's the male part of the plant and drops pollen usually before the female silks on the same plant are ready. Most of the growth in corn occurs before the male part springs out and cutting it off doesn't help.
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18 Feb 13, Brian (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate): How late can we plant sweet corn in Hillcrest S.A.
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02 Feb 13, Tink (Australia - cool/mountain climate): My husband has grown corn for the first time this year. He planted seedlings from a giant hardware chain. I don't know the variety. The stalks are short but the corn cobs are full and beautiful and not too dry or flowery - perfect except they're not very 'sweet'. Are we being impatient & it needs more time? Or is this a lack of heat, nutrient or something else? Thanks!
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24 Jan 13, ben black (Australia - tropical climate): i have recently planted my crop of sweet corn here in bundaberg it was planted about 6 weeks ago and already stand about 7 to 8 feat tall and have 3 to 4 cobs per plant i dont know why but they do would like to know why
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15 Jan 13, Patrick (Australia - cool/mountain climate): What should be done with laterals on the main stalk? Will I leave them on to allow additional corn to grow on them or does leaving them on the main stalk deprive the main stalk from food?
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14 Jan 13, Jason (Australia - temperate climate): Hi all. Just wondering if mid-January is too late to plant corn in Sydney?
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13 Jan 13, Banda (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate): i have a plot almost 10 hecters,im also keeping chicken,can i plant some maize and soya beans now for the feed?,thanks.
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06 Jan 13, (Australia - temperate climate): How do tell corn is ready to pick
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Post a question, comment or tip about Sweet corn

Replying to:

How can I grow corn seedlings? This spring is so cool and wet that my potting mix remains too wet and the seeds get waterlogged and my germination rate is around 2%.

- Leo H

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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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