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

(Best months for growing Sweet corn in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed

October: After risk of frost

  • 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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28 Jun 20, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
If you can stand your pot near a sunny window, you might be able to keep the sweetcorn growing. Protect it from cold temperatures and make sure it has plenty of light -
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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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14 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Plant 2-3-4 rows about 80-90cm between rows. When plants are about 40-50cm high run some fertiliser down each side of the plant and then hill the soil up around the plants. Makes the plant more stable in the ground.
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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. GardenGrow 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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