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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13 Oct 24, Eugene (Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer climate)
What’s the best sweet corn to grow in zone 3a
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28 Oct 24, (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Try a few and then grow the variety you prefer.
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26 Apr 24, Natalia (USA - Zone 5b climate)
I don't have much space... has anyone had success with growing corn in a large raised bed? Thanks!
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02 May 24, Brett (Australia - arid climate)
Corn takes a fair bit of water so keep the drink up to them. They do have a pretty good sized root system so it would depend on the depth of the raised bed. I've grown them OK in 600mm deep beds.
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18 Jan 25, Melissa (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Would they do well in a 3 foot or 914 mm bed?
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14 Feb 24, gugu dlamini (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
CORN701 does not grow in the ground I tried several times, it grew once after that it doesn't. Second time seeds became big and never progressed in the ground.
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12 Feb 24, Chris (USA - Zone 6a climate)
What is the Ideal sweet corn variety for growing in zone 6a?
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25 Jan 24, Dot (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Is it ok to plant brassica (not celery) after corn, in the same spot?
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30 Jan 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes
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23 Jun 23, John dodgson (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
When did they start growing corn in the wester Cape?
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Showing 11 - 20 of 427 comments
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Colleen, the shallow soil shouldn't be a problem as sweetcorn has a fibrous root system and is shallow rooted. The most important thing is too keep the moisture up and keep them well mulched if soil is shallow. If cobs are small due to not all kerels developing, this due to lack of pollination. Follow the instructions on the site and plant in blocks. Regards.

- willo

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