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

02 Feb 20, Enia (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Where can I buy fresh maize to eat please
03 Feb 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Maize is generally the term for corn that is high in starch. Corn for boiling bbq etc is sweet corn or super sweet corn. Buy it at a supermarket or garden markets when in season. I grow sweet corn a lot of the year.
02 Jan 20, Safoa (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Please what are the requirements for growing sweet corn in the tropics
04 Jan 20, Another gardener (Australia - tropical climate)
The biggest problem with growing sweet corn is germinating the seed. The ground should be moist when planting the seeds. Give a light watering after planting. Don't water again for 3-5 days depend on how hot it is. If the soil is too wet the seeds will just rot. If really hot weather try and cover with shade cloth or protect them from the hot part of the day. Once they are growing plenty of fertiliser and water.
27 Jan 20, Cindy (Australia - temperate climate)
Always plant at least 3 seeds in each spot as I find they don't always germinate. It's good to have back up.
18 Nov 19, Bill conry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
1. How do you know when Corn is ready to harvest? @ How many cobs can you expect from just one plant ( i have six plants which are pretty near harvesting - I think they seem to have 2 - 3 cobbs per plant?
19 Nov 19, Another gardener (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When the tassel (the flowery part that comes out the top of the plant) comes out the top, pollination will take place for the next 4-6 days. A rule of thumb is 21 days after pollination. The silky threads at the top of the cob will turn brown and then black. After they have turned brown feel the cob with your hand. It should feel bulked up (thickish). Peel a little of the husk down the cob to see the kernels, if small and pale in colour, not ready yet. If nice kernels and good yellow colour right to pick. If the kernels are looking sunken and dry it is too late. Generally 1-2 cobs per plant. In future plant several rows to achieve better pollination. I give my corn plenty of fert and water when growing.
30 Oct 19, Anishka (Australia - temperate climate)
Hiya i got given two shoots of sweetcorn, one about1inch high & the other is double in size (height) & i have just planted them both in the ground ... Just wondering if replanted wrong or too early.. Im in Vic melbourne... Its gonna b hot tday n stsying in the 20degrees all week... Also is seasol a good enough fertiliser ? Or? Will have more questions again soon no doubt (growing my collection of 24 seeds) thankyou kindly from the newbie in outdoor gardening)
31 Oct 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When planting very small seedlings protect them with some shade for 5-7 days. Transplant seedlings when they are 75-100mm high. Seasol is not fertiliser, it is a soil conditioner. Go and buy some fertiliser (organic or chemical). Wait until the plants have grown to 150mm high then fert lightly. Do again a month later, this time use more fertiliser - read the instructions. Buy a 2-3 kg packet of fert. The little tubs of fert are a rip off. When growing corn plant 2-3-4 rows 600mm apart for pollination reasons. Corn needs lots of fert and water.
21 Jul 19, Barbara (Australia - tropical climate)
Can you tell me what the best variety of sweet corn is for the tropics, and is it too late in the year to plant it here (Darwin NT)? It is currently our Dry Season - ie no rain at all. Thank you.
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