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 16°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 30 cm 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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07 Dec 14, Bert (Australia - temperate climate)
For cooking always leave the foliage on. Zap in the micro wave for 3 minutes and then take the leaf off. Best way. Worst way, boiling.
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02 Nov 14, Nives Walker (Australia - tropical climate)
Should you remove the shoots which grow from the base of the main plant??
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12 Nov 14, Brad (Australia - arid climate)
I would not remove them as they are tillers or extra extentions of the original plant that will produce extra cobs. More tillers = more cobs
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24 Oct 14, Bev Anderson (Australia - tropical climate)
Our corn is very attractive to 2 different bugs at present. A brown bi-coloured bug with long proboscis and a green bug. They seem to suck on the kernels and then the kernel turns brown. How should they be treated? Many thanks
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26 Feb 15, Graham (Australia - tropical climate)
I would use chilli or garlic oil Chilli would be the best
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24 Aug 14, Anna (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Has anyone grown gem corn? Know where to get seeds?
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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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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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