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 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

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08 Oct 20, (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Probably 30cm or so.
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01 Sep 20, MARIO (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hi, Would you know where I can buy some white maize seeds in Cape Town? Do think they will grow here without any problems? Many thanks, Mario
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03 Sep 20, Anonymous (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Try a seed selling website.
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10 Aug 20, Jesus E Amaya (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Is the a particular variety of sweet corn I should plant in Zone 10b?
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11 Aug 20, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Not really, comes down to what kind of sweet corn you like. Or ask around local people who grow sweet corn in your area. I grow a bi-color variety in warm climates in Australia.
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17 Jul 20, Sarah (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Can I plant corn in mid July in zone.8a?
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07 Aug 20, Liz (USA - Zone 8a climate)
If you are zone 8a, click on Vegetables and Herbs tab, go to sweet corn and look it up. Set your zone at the top of the page. Check planting times and follow the suggested planting methods.
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28 Jun 20, Judi (New Zealand - temperate climate)
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?
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30 Jun 20, Anonymous (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Corn needs to be planted in rows about 6-800mm apart. Seeds need to be planted about 150mm apart. Best to grow 2 or more rows together in a block for pollination. When the tassel and silks come out it takes about 5 days for pollination. Then about 21 days for cob to be ready to pick. Read up on the net.
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29 Jun 20, Anon (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Corn needs full sunlight to produce a good cob. If you fail this time try a more suitable time like spring summer to try again.
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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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