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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25 Jan 17, Mark (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Got about 8-10 stalks of black chewey corn - been flowering for last week and have a few tassels also , however I was trying to manually pollinate them but when shake the flowers over a white pot don't seem to be any pollen just the small flower pieces fall off and lots lots small ants , also plants covered in small ants ? - some plants also have leaves dried up and crispy looking , they get watered daily had also plenty rain recently and they have been fed with organic pellets as well as compost . They also covered in mulch and have peanuts surrounding them .. Why no pollen and what to do if anything about the ants ? Thanks
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12 Jan 16, AnnonRabbit (Australia - temperate climate)
Although I am by far not an expert, you can defiantly harvest 2 good ones. I have sweet corn and Wumpum with multiple good ears. I have seen 3 good ears (though not on mine) and I have even heard of numbers reaching to 4 but that may be a myth ;) As to how to obtain those numbers i am unsure!
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05 Jan 16, (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can you buy zea mays corn plants in Melbourne?
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06 Jan 16, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Eden Seeds online store have various maize seed varieties.
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04 Jan 16, fill Italiano (Australia - temperate climate)
i would like to know if mid jane is a good time to plant sweetcorn in Perth w a i am in a temperate area also a tip on when to seeding time for vegetables thank you
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12 Jan 16, Andy (Australia - arid climate)
Hi :-) personally I would call perth arid climate zone meaning a bit later. However I dont think it would hurt it to plant it in June/ July. So long is you won't get frost.
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20 Dec 15, Richard (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi. My corn looks healthy and has grown tassels producing plenty of pollen but no silk or ears have developed. Will they grow later and can I store pollen to pollinate if they do or is it all over ? Do you know what maybe causing this? Many thanks Richard
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25 Aug 15, Mpilo Nyathi (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in NSW Finley Can l start planting my corn now ? I enjoy African corn which eventually makes meallie meal powder.l have not been able to find seeds for that type However l also like sweet corn Please help
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30 Jan 16, Allby (Australia - temperate climate)
Mpilo, I recently bought the maize seeds you are looking for, from Springbok Foods in Queensland.
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03 Sep 15, Ben (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Mpilo you can buy mealie meal from South African from shops on line in Australia
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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 -

- Liz

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