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

08 Mar 21, Anonymous (Australia - arid climate)
You probably have some bicolour seeds mixed in with your normal seeds. Caterpillers are probably due to more rain this time of year for breeding. Gaps in the corn kernels is from poor pollination, windy when pollination is happening. Pollination happens over 4-5 days, run your hand up the tassel then rub on the silks. Also plant more than one row at a time. (Or in a square)
14 Mar 21, Wendy Wong (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thank You. This information is much appreciated.
12 Feb 21, Pamela Newman (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Names of sweet corn grown in Goleta CA. Zone 9b, please. Thank you!!!
15 Feb 21, Anonymous (USA - Zone 5a climate)
You can grow most corns anywhere, just get the planting time right.
04 Feb 21, Helen Tapper (New Zealand - temperate climate)
This is my 2nd season of growing corn, last season was very successful, this year - not so. I have planted them almost exactly in the same spot as last season. Was that the right thing to do or wrong. The other point is that we have had some pretty crazy summer temperatures, high 20's then low to mid teens. I fertilised the garden during the winter/early spring.
05 Feb 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Better to plant in different spot. Corn is a big user of fertiliser and water. When preparing the soil add compost/manures if possible, Soils always need some fibre replacement each year. Then mark out your rows about 50-60cm apart, Scratch a furrow in the soil and run some fertiliser in the furrow - I use Bunnings rooster booster. Have the soil wet before starting, after planting give another watering. Don't water again for 3-4 days. Too wet seeds will rot. When plants are 45cm high run some more fert down each side of the plants and hill the soil up around the stalk. Corn pollinates for 5 days and you pick it approx 21 days later. I just picked 28 cobs last week. S
22 Oct 20, Mason Wong (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I am growing corn for the 1st time & I seem to be winning, except, I have noticed the soil around the bottom of the stems is falling away as they are growing bigger, and the roots are showing a little. Is this normal? I keep covering them up but worry I may damage the corn. It is strong and healthy and they were dug in deep 45cm when planted. I just want to know if this is normal & are they air roots?
23 Oct 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I hill the soil up around the plant when they are about 30-40cm high. This gives them soil for the roots to grow in. I also run a little fertiliser beside the plant before hilling up.
22 Oct 20, Liz (Australia - arid climate)
Sweetcorn does look as though the roots are showing as it grows taller. They help to support the plant and are quite normal.
03 Oct 20, Brian Halse (USA - Zone 10b climate)
How tall should the Sweet Corn be before planting the beans?
Showing 51 - 60 of 417 comments

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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