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

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23 Oct 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I hill the soil up around the plant when they are about 30-40cm high. This gives them soil for the roots to grow in. I also run a little fertiliser beside the plant before hilling up.
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22 Oct 20, Liz (Australia - arid climate)
Sweetcorn does look as though the roots are showing as it grows taller. They help to support the plant and are quite normal.
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24 Jun 20, Wendy Mingorance (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a sweet corn 2cm just growing starting do I have to leave it under shade from heavy rain I take good care of it place them in nice pots I adore from seedlings what should I do ?
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30 Jun 20, wayne (Australia - temperate climate)
Corn is a summer crop, should be put in around late oct to dec. lots of water and I think good nutrient
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25 Jun 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I suggest you google
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29 May 20, Jack (Australia - tropical climate)
What is the good time for Maize harvesting?? Our place is tropical, had a winter for short period of time, summer start from September till March.
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30 May 20, Anonymous (Australia - tropical climate)
11-14 weeks after planting. Read the comments here Gardenate - the info is in the notes.
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17 Apr 20, Colin and Taksan (Australia - temperate climate)
Our corn has grown well but on opening it to check there were caterpillars eating it. What is the best way to control these?
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20 Apr 20, (Australia - temperate climate)
If they don't eat much just cut the damaged section off. That is what I do. Caused by the heliothis moth. Look on the internet for a spray.
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10 Apr 20, Pamela MATHEWS (Australia - tropical climate)
Hellow .. what is the best way to plant corn..eg:in rows or bunch in together..first time grower..thank you
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Hi, we have just moved into new home on the Bellarine in Vic, having moved from up in Murray river area of Echuca. and now we have retired, so I have prepared two garden beds approx 2m x 3m x 4cm high on the south side of our home this area is very well protected about 4 weeks ago we put Chicken poo and x 4 bags a lot fertelizes but it was not heavy type, also the dirt was a sandy loom which will retain water, we are holding off planting perhaps start next week which is early September on some seeds, we are looking forward to this experiance as up North it was very hot and working made it hard to keep up, so hear we go looking forward to everything and anyones advices, thanks Peter

- Peter Isaac

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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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