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
T T T         T T T T T
P P           P P P P P

(Best months for growing Sweet corn in Australia - sub-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.
  • A seedling
  • A young corn plant
  • Feathery cobs on side of stem. Male flowers at top.

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 Oct 24, K-M Bourke (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I never have much success growing from seed but I really want to level up my gardening. How much sun do I allow my seedling trays to get. In a sub-tropical climate the sun can be very intense on hot days and can dry them out very quickly. Should I use a greenhouse or is that too shady? How often should you water them? I assume the trays should be moist the whole time while they are germinating? Any advice would be appreciated.
28 Oct 24, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Soak the seeds over night in a bowl/glass of water. Plant them into a fine potting mix soil. Give them a watering.. Don't water for 2-3 days. Keep in the shade or only a little sun each day. If soil drying out use a spray bottle to moisten the top of the soil. Or do similarly into the garden. Put some shade over them. Don't over water - they will rot. I have had trouble myself the last few years. Or just buy punnet from Bunnings/? - a lot simpler and easier.
13 Oct 24, Eugene (Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer climate)
What’s the best sweet corn to grow in zone 3a
28 Oct 24, (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Try a few and then grow the variety you prefer.
26 Apr 24, Natalia (USA - Zone 5b climate)
I don't have much space... has anyone had success with growing corn in a large raised bed? Thanks!
02 May 24, Brett (Australia - arid climate)
Corn takes a fair bit of water so keep the drink up to them. They do have a pretty good sized root system so it would depend on the depth of the raised bed. I've grown them OK in 600mm deep beds.
14 Feb 24, gugu dlamini (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
CORN701 does not grow in the ground I tried several times, it grew once after that it doesn't. Second time seeds became big and never progressed in the ground.
12 Feb 24, Chris (USA - Zone 6a climate)
What is the Ideal sweet corn variety for growing in zone 6a?
25 Jan 24, Dot (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Is it ok to plant brassica (not celery) after corn, in the same spot?
30 Jan 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes
Showing 1 - 10 of 417 comments

Just separate a small part of the husk and have a look at the kernels. If they are a bright yellow and nice and plump then they are ready. Don't leave on the plant for too long after this time as the can start to dry and harden.

- 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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