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 S S      
T T T T T T T T T T T  
P P P P P P P P P P P  

(Best months for growing Sweet corn in Australia - 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

30 May 09, Dean (Australia - temperate climate)
Thanks David. Corn was grown from seedling. Planted 300mm apart and no neighbours had corn growing. The ears where picked and cooked straight away. Dont know what went wrong but will grow again when the seasons right. Thank's again.
11 Jun 09, eli (Australia - tropical climate)
how long does it take sweet corn to grow could you also give me some general info
15 Jun 09, Goldy (Australia - temperate climate)
hers a tip 4 growing corn from seed what i do is crush about 3kg of charcoal to almost powder mix with 3-4ltr water add a cup of seaweed concerntrate and a cup of fish emulsion with 2 tblspoons of trace elements then add a1-1/12 kg of sand let soak over night then placein the bottom of the trenches and plant seed on top then cover with soil
29 Jun 09, kat (Australia - tropical climate)
I'm growing corn in Darwin for the first time, it started off going great guns but now is being eaten away by ants! I have eggplant planted next to it and it is doing really well, any ideas??
25 Aug 09, Mark (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I've read that when sowing corn seeds, you should put two seeds in each hole then thinout when they shoot. Is this neccessary and, if so, what is the reason for doing it. I have also read this for other vegetables.
19 Oct 12, Ferry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
this is to get the strongest seedlings and therefor a better crop as well as to in sure a plant per hole. i do not thin out corn and instead plant in decomposing seed pots with a few extras. corn does not always do well in normal seed trays when trans plated
27 Aug 09, julie (Australia - temperate climate)
Can we obtain baby sweetcorn plants or seeds in Australia? I remember seeing an article about the first crops being planted in Australia earlier this year. I'm interested for domestic gardening only.
30 Aug 09, Darren (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We have planted sweet corn once previously in November - they grew great and produced good sized cobs corn but they were infested with insects - does white oil prevent this or is there a better way - we would like to stay with organic remedies.
04 Sep 09, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
What do you mean 4 x 4 blocks?
10 Sep 09, floody (Australia - tropical climate)
my corn grew to an alright height but flowered at the top before it got to a maximum height hence only one cob per plant, the smaller plants didnt even grow a cob. how do you get big plants with heaps of cobs i used potash as directed?
Showing 21 - 30 of 321 comments

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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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