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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14 Sep 14, Kbot (Australia - temperate climate)
Try here: • Diggers • Eden Seeds or if you are in WA try Merri Bee Farm Happy gardening :)
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21 May 14, Philip Nel (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
We have a small holding in Koster reign and want to try doing some sweet corn.I have passed by Brits area and noticed they do lots of sweet corn and seems as if they plant during the winter months. Could you share some information on this regard with us?
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24 Aug 14, phillip (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Plant now dont wait
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05 May 14, craig (Australia - temperate climate)
Use pyrethrum for ants, the grubs don't like it much either. It is a safer less toxic option. A fresh chilli mix in water also works but isn't pleasant on a windy day when applying. Try not to be too nosey and open the cobbs for a look as this allows access for pests to get in. Let the silks die down to a dead brown and you will get what you get, leaving them longer wont help they are done.
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19 Feb 14, Natalie (Australia - temperate climate)
I am growing corn for the first time and have struck a problem. I planted them in October and noticed the tops have turned brown. I picked some but one only had about 3 kernels and the others didn't have any. They smelt ready for picking too. Did I pick too early?
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10 Aug 14, Naomi (Australia - temperate climate)
There aren't many kernels because they didn't pollinate. You can self-pollinate by grabbing the pollen off the tassels (at the top) and sprinkling onto the silk threads. Worked well for us!
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17 Feb 14, John (Australia - temperate climate)
hi .can you tell me how we can stop ants eating our corn . just lost 15 plants for the second time . they eat the corn itself not the plant .
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27 Jan 14, Eve Hjort (Australia - temperate climate)
I have grubs in my corn cobs how do I get rid of them
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25 Jan 14, Peter (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
do you remove the seeds off the cob to dry out or just leave them on the cob.
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23 Jan 14, Robyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Does anyone have suggestions for 'Scarecrows' or other alternatives to keep the birds away?
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We have tried to grow corn, but it comes out claggy when we go to eat it. It appears OK, but the texture isn't right. Anyone have any suggestions on what may cause this?

- Julie

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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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