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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09 Jun 08, drew (Unknown climate)
In Adelaide, around the inner suburbs, corn can be started as early as late june, if you put a frame around the seedlings and cover most of it with glad wrap, (put one inch holes around the bottom).
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21 Jan 08, sarita (Unknown climate)
i wsih to plant some corn now am i too late or is it ok likving in cranbourne, where can we get good biclour variety n r they gm or gm free. what about hte su or se variety.
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Sweet corn is a warm season plant, and should be sown only after all chance of frost has passed, usually around 14 days after your district's average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is from 21 deg C to 27 deg C, and ideal growing temperatures from 15 deg C to 30 deg C. So, depending upon your local conditions it may be best to wait for warmer days in Sept or even into October if your climate is somewhat cooler during these months. You can check out average temperature ranges for your district on the Bureau of Meteorology website.

- Carol

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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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