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            

(Best months for growing Sweet corn in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • 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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20 May 16, Jennifer (Australia - tropical climate)
Once I've picked the cobs is the rest of the plant a write off... ie. Dig it out?
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25 May 16, Bob Dobbs (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes
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23 May 16, David (Australia - arid climate)
No why not use them as a support to grow some climber like sweet peas, beans, once these have finished then dig them out.
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07 May 16, Rosemary (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Phoebe. If you plant corn outside now it might germinate if you are lucky, but it won't grow much because it is too cold. Best time to plant it is in spring or early summer. You might like to try peas or broad beans for this time of the year. Both are easy to germinate and grow. If you are looking for a grassy type of plant to grow, try wheat or barley. Good luck.
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02 May 16, Phoebe (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I live in adelaide and I am planning to plant corn as part of my school project however I was wondering whether it could be planted in May eventhough its not a best season for it. Will it still germinate and grow?
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25 Mar 16, Greg (the buck) (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Grow your corn in 2mx2m squares. Plant squash & beans with them, it's an old method called the 3 sisters. Each plant gives good energy to the other. Try it. You will be blown away by the quality of your veg.
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22 Mar 16, Victoria (Australia - temperate climate)
you can use the stalks to grow your peas up.
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20 Mar 16, Eryn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How long can a one sweet corn plant produce for? We have just harvest corn from the plants, are they now useless and need to be replaced?
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16 Apr 16, Bob Dobbs (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes, they need to be replaced as they will not crop again. They will die off. All the best, Bob
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14 Mar 16, Hussein (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Dear Sir, I would like to introduce sweet corn in Uganda, we do grow maize corn during our rainny season ( March,April and May) or (August,September,October and November). Can you please advice me where to get the seeds and when to plant it.
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Showing 221 - 230 of 432 comments
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I understand your remark. - however you need to take into account that Pioneer (an excellent source for seeds) is located in Johnston, Iowa - and if I'm not mistaken has always been there- so yes they will know which seeds to sell you- that's real Expert advice. Additionally if you buy at your local co-op they probably stock only seeds that grow well in the area. They'll even tell you when and how to plant,care for, and harvest your crop. In other words they are making the variety, soil temp decisions for you. -and saying plant this, at such and such a time. I live in an area where the conditions change in less than 10km. - Vancouver Island - soil temps, wind chill can vary a lot so understanding this stuff can make the difference between a lush garden and a half dead garden. Planting, say, tomatoes outdoors can be delayed by 6 weeks if your getting a lot of night time wind chill (near the ocean or at a higher elevation). Your inland, flat, and have very uniform growing conditions, Your also in the corn discussion- which the breadbasket states (of which your state is one of) having been growing corn for longer then I can even guess at (250 years- and the Native American Indians before that)- even in Canada I know some of your sayings 'knee high by the 4th of July' which I'm guessing every breadbasket school child knows- so yes I Imagine you know when to plant corn. There are people who live in microclimates -and they may not have access to consultants (like your local co-op) that give information freely. So yes, they need to understand soil temps. Etc. Aditionally, person might want to grow a variety of something that is different (mail order) from what their local garden center has decided to sell. In which case they either investigate before they buy, or buy, plant and cross their fingers.

- Celeste Archer

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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. Gardenate 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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