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
            P P P P P  

(Best months for growing Sweet corn in South Africa - Humid sub-tropical regions)

  • 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 61°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 - 12 inches 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for South Africa | for all countries
03 Sep 20, Anonymous (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Try a seed selling website.
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26 Aug 18, Mokhethi (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
When is it best time to grow maize for first harvest? ?
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30 Apr 17, zaakirah cassim (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What season does the mealies get harvested in South Africa
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02 May 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
You would normally harvest mealies when the stalks and leaves have dried off. This would generally be in May but seasons do vary. If you harvest them before they are properly dry they may be susceptible to mould. Store your mealies in a dry, airy place.
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13 Feb 17, Matam (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What is the best sweet corn maize seed to plant? I want the one that can produce bigger corns.
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13 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I am in Australia and don't know the varieties you have available in South Africa. I would google search 'sweet corn seed' on your computer. There are three mail order seed companies that I am aware of in your country. They will have a range of sweet corn seed available and each will have details regarding colour, size and sweetness to choose from. I trust someone from your area will respond to your query with some suggestions. Trust this helps.
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27 Sep 16, peter (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Please help. When do I plant maize in the area south of Johannesburg? I'm asking because all my neighbours say we must plant in December. Thnx Peter
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01 Oct 16, May (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I think you can plant before December during spring already, as soon as the danger of frost has passed. Also, if you are planting more than one variety, it is best to do so a few weeks apart so they don't mature at the same time, because they cross-polinate between species.
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17 Mar 20, A (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I only have a small home garden. I generally start planting my first batch around more d Sept and the every 6 to 8 weeks thereafter. If my first batch was planted in September , my sweet or green corn is harvested in Early Jan or Feb. I plant pumpkins in between the rows and when the corn is about shin high I interspace with climbing green been. The pumpkin protects the corn roots and the beans provide nitrogen.
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17 Aug 16, isa eksteen (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Ek soek inligting oor watter cultuvar ekbkan plant in die oos vrystaat. (I'm looking for information on what cultuvar ekbkan plant in the eastern Free State)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 28 comments
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My 6-yr-old came home with an egg carton of sweetcorn seeds he'd planted at school. We put them on the windowsill and they've sprouted beautifully. But it's June, and although it's very mild now (in Waikato) we're expecting to get winter weather soon. He's very excited about these seedlings and would love to grow them to fruition - do you think I could grow them in a large pot as an indoor plant?

- Judi

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