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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02 Jan 12, Shane Sowerby (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Is there anywhere in New Zealand where I can buy Purple Corn seed?
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09 Sep 09, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Mike, 4 x 4 blocks means plant in 4 short rows, 4 plants to a row, so that the plants are fairly close together to increase the chance of cross-fertilisation as the pollen is wind blown. Mark, putting 2 seeds in together is because there is a chance that one will fail to grow.
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17 Jan 09, Kiran Kumar M (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi my name is Kiran Kumar .M. from india, i am working in Some private company in that i have conducted temperate sweet corn trials and these trials revealed that it can be grown in sandy soils and plants are most susceptable to stem borer attack
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Showing 21 - 23 of 23 comments
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Ants can be a problem in the garden. You don't say in your note how many plants you have but if it is only a few you could smear a band of petroleum jelly around each stalk to trap them. Ants are also deterred by pepper. Buy some cheap pepper and sprinkle it liberally around the plants. this works well to stop ants stealing carrot seed, which they love. Regarding the ones that are nesting I don't have any suggestions. Maybe a small amount of kitchen washing up liquid mixed with water and sprayed onto the affected plants will suffocate them. Regarding chewing pests on your capsicums. Yates 'Natures Way' is a very saafe spray to use for caterpillars. I don't use synthetic sprays or chemicals in my garden. Trust this helps.

- John

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