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

06 Oct 17, yasmin (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
can Corn grow in Quilpie
14 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Mulch around the plants to keep the soil cooler. When the plants have grown about 1' high hill the soil up around them. When another 1' higher, fertilise down each side and hill up again - then mulch them.
09 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - tropical climate)
Requirements to grow something. A medium to grow in (soil), water, sun and fertiliser. Have a go.
01 Oct 17, Erik smith (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi when I grow sweetcorn the corn seems to not mature properly very skinny narrow small cobs that stay white without many kernels which are very pale.i an in Brisbane Qld
02 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Your corn is not being pollinated. Plant several rows - helps pollination. When the tassel (top part) and ears (cob) have come out, run your hand up (close the fingers in) the tassel to release the pollen and it falls down on the ears. It will collect the pollen as you run your hand up and then drop it on the ears, Plenty of water.
04 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I usually give my corn a hit up with fertiliser when I hill the plants up when they are about 15-18" high. You could use de-composted manure or compost. The wind usually helps with the pollination process but sometime no wind or it is too strong.
01 Oct 17, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
Sweetcorn needs a lot of compost and aged manure dug into the soil beforehand; it is a very hungry crop. Also loves water.
27 Aug 17, Rhyce (Australia - tropical climate)
why can't you grow corn near celery
24 Oct 22, Natalie (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Companion planting is a common practice. Certain plants use up a lot of nutrients from the ground. And shouldn't be planted with plants that need those nutrients. Conversely there are plants that's should be planted together, as they help the plants grow stronger, sweeter or even deter pests.
19 Jul 17, Colleen (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the best corn variety for Victoria... Gippsland?
Showing 141 - 150 of 417 comments

What is the best variety of sweet corn I can plant now.

- Deborah Hornberger

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.