Planting and Growing Guide for Maize (Zea mays, var. rugosa)
Description
Maize or Sweet corn is a warm season crop that is easy to grow in most gardens. Sweet corn is softer and has a sweeter taste than traditional field corn or maize. Plant in small blocks of at least 4 x 4 plants to encourage pollination from neighbouring plants. Do not plant in a single row as the pollen from the heads will not fall on the silk threads. Plant in batches provide a steady supply through the summer months. Harvest the cobs when the silky threads on the cobs turn brown or black. There is a huge array of varieties to choose from. Select those that are known to do well in your area. Early harvesting varieties ripen very quickly. Most sweet corn cobs and are sweeter when just picked. Avoid planting coloured maize (grown for drying of the seeds) near sweet corn, as the plants will cross-pollinate and spoil the cobs on both crops. Daytime temperatures need to be consistently above 15 degrees C (60 degrees F) for planting and growing Sweet corn. For maximum flavor and sweetness cook just picked cobs within an hour. Remove the silks and outer leaves. The cobs and be boiled or steamed. They can be cooked in a microwave oven - allow about 4 minutes per cob. They can also be grilled or barbecued in their pouter leaves or wrapped in foil. Served drizzled with butter and sprinkled with salt and black pepper.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Sow seeds about 15 mm (3/4 inches) deep in seed trays or directly into the soil after the last frost. Plant 2-3 seeds in each hole and thin out as required. Plant out after 4-6 weeks.
Space between plants: Space plants about 20-25 cm (9-12 inches) apart. Space rows 30-40 cm (12-15 inches) apart. The same applies for spacing in blocks
Harvest Time: Harvest in about 10-14 weeks
Hints:
- Grows well in full sun. Partial shade may prevent bolting in hot weather.
- Does best in rich, well-drained soils with a covering of mulch to inhibit weeds and to keep the soil moist.
- Sweet corn is frost tender and is a warm season plant that will not grow in cold weather
- Water regularly and evenly, especially in summer
- Plant in batches after the last frost, every 3-4 weeks for a continuous supply.
- Feed regularly and keep the plants growing strongly to produce a good harvest of tender sweet cobs. Hill the soil around the plants and add compost and manure, or a little blood and bone.
- They prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soils (pH 6.5 to 7.5)
- Plant in sheltered areas as strong winds can damage tall plants
- Can be grown in large pots or other containers
Learn how to grow Sweet Corn in your own garden. Source: Public Domain
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!