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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
17 Sep 12, digger (Australia - temperate climate)
Will kangaroos eat sweet corn as it emerges from seed? We plan to grow more than will fit inside the fenced vege patch
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23 Sep 12, wayne (Australia - temperate climate)
I am planting corn in the next couple of weeks. Is it a good idea to stagger planting , lets say at two week intervals. Idea being it wont all mature at the same time. Any ideas on that anyone?
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15 Oct 12, billy (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello Wayne, It would be a good idea to stagger the planting, as they all wont be ready at the same time, i have been growing corn most of my life, my father used to have an obsession with corn and now i believe i do just not to his degree ha ha ha, Let me know how ya crop turns out Bill Enhard Of South Australia p.s hope it all goes well lol Bill Enhard x
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31 Jul 12, Brian Vendt (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Had a good crop last summer.This year,I have planted the corn into punnetts,without much success.I have a new garden for the next lot,and I will sow directly into the ground.Is it a good idea to soak the kernels overnight,to soften the seed.Maybe mix in some liquid seaweed?Would the same advice apply to bean seeds?Thankyou.I live on the Gold Coast.
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16 Nov 12, Andrew S (Australia - temperate climate)
Liquid seaweed won;t hurt..I added a little blood and bone to the mix..seemed to work real well.. So well in fact the ducks took a liking and nearly wiped out my crop. A few survived..so there wil now be a bit of a stagger plant coming up..!
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19 Aug 12, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
In reply to your question,yes i soak all my bean seeds,as it tends to speed up there germination.I live in Nth NSW
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25 Mar 12, arabella (Australia - temperate climate)
how many ears of corn grow per stalk?
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03 Jan 12, eva (Australia - temperate climate)
why is my cobs goin brown, is it a insect or not incorrect watering this is my second year of goin corn, they grow well but when its time to eat they are brown and rotten parts inside the corn, please help as its a waste of time and water
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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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13 Dec 11, susan mbacho (Australia - tropical climate)
questions; what are factors for growing maize?
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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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