Damon Mcknight
Sweet corn is a rewarding crop to grow in your Australian garden, offering juicy cobs straight off the barbeque. It is a versatile plant that can be cultivated in large backyards or pots, and in most soil types. The optimal planting time for sweet corn varies across Australia, depending on the region and climate. In tropical and subtropical regions, corn can be planted from September to February, whereas in temperate regions, it is best planted during spring, from September to December. In cooler areas, corn should be planted in the warmer months of October to December. Sweet corn is a hungry plant, requiring fertile, well-drained soil and lots of water. It is also a thirsty plant, so remember to keep the soil moist and well-mulched.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plant type | Annual vegetable |
| Height | Less than 1m to 2m+, depending on the variety |
| Foliage | Long, to 50cm, strappy leaves, generally an attractive semi-glossy deep green |
| Climate | Tropical, sub-tropical, warm and cold temperate |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained, fertile |
| Position | Full sun, tolerates wind |
| Flowering and fruiting | Flowers towards late summer when planted in spring; cobs ripen 4–6 weeks after flowering |
| Watering | Reliable moisture brings the best results |
| Harvesting | Harvest when the silk or 'hair' on top of the corn is brown and shrivelled and the fluid inside the kernel is milky; harvest in the early morning for the sweetest cobs |
| Planting style | Block style formation |
| Plant spacing | 40-50cm between plants |
| Underplanting | Climbing beans or cucumbers |
| Soil improvement | Organic matter (compost, aged manure), green manure crop |
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What You'll Learn
Soil and planting
Sweet corn thrives in warm to hot conditions and loves full sun, so spring to early summer is the best time to sow in most areas. In tropical and subtropical regions, corn can be planted from September to February, whereas in temperate regions, it is best planted from September to December. In cooler areas, it is recommended to plant corn from October to December.
Sweet corn grows well in most soil types but prefers quality, rich, and well-drained soil. The soil should be fertile and deep, with at least 30 cm of depth. It is important to improve the soil before planting by adding organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or green manure crop. Blood and bone or pelletised chicken manure can also be applied generously. The soil should be dug deep and mixed with organic plant food to promote lush growth. Corn hates clay and boggy soil, so ensure the site is in a hot position if the soil tends to retain water.
When planting, it is recommended to sow corn seeds directly into the soil or potting mix at a depth of around 2.5 cm, spacing them about 15-50 cm apart. Water the soil or potting mix thoroughly after planting and keep it consistently moist. Corn is a heat-loving plant, so the seeds will not germinate until the soil is warm. It is important to provide adequate moisture at all times, especially as the cobs are developing. Regular applications of liquid organic products, such as seaweed tonic, can enhance plant vigour.
Corn is self-pollinating, but it pollinates more effectively when grown in blocks rather than single rows. This results in better cross-pollination and more corn. It is also important to note that corn demands a lot of water, but the cobs should be kept dry as they mature. Therefore, water only the roots and avoid watering the foliage and developing cobs.
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Sun and wind
Sweet corn is a sun-loving plant that requires full sun and protection from strong winds. It is a warm-season crop, and spring to early summer is the best time to sow in most areas. In tropical and subtropical regions, corn can be planted from September to February, whereas in temperate regions, it is best planted during spring, from September to December. In cool and alpine regions, corn should be planted during the warmer months of October to December.
When growing corn, it is important to choose a sunny position in your garden that is sheltered from the wind. Corn requires at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. The optimal planting time for corn varies depending on the region and climate. It is important to consider the unique climate conditions of your area when planning the timing of your corn crop.
Corn is a tall, thin, and attractive plant with long, strappy leaves that can add interest and height to your garden. It is a fast-growing annual that can reach heights of less than 1 metre to 2 metres or more, depending on the variety. The leaves can reach around 50 cm in length and are typically a rich, semi-glossy green with visible lengthwise veins. The base of the leaves wraps around the stem, and aerial roots often form around the base of the stem as the plant ages.
To ensure the best performance of your corn crop, it is important to provide reliable moisture and adequate nutrition. Corn demands a lot of water, but it is crucial to keep the cobs dry as they mature, so water only the roots and avoid watering the foliage and developing cobs. Regular applications of liquid organic products, such as seaweed tonic, will help maintain plant vigour.
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Watering
To ensure the best results, reliable moisture is necessary. Corn requires little to no maintenance once it starts growing, but it is important to provide adequate moisture consistently, especially as the cobs are developing. Regular applications of liquid organic products, such as a seaweed tonic, will enhance plant vigour.
When planting sweet corn, the soil should be watered well. High amounts of organic matter and mulch in the patch will reduce the need for frequent watering. However, it is essential not to let the soil dry out completely. Using shower warm-up water on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays is a creative way to water your corn, but ensure it is only when required.
Sweet corn typically takes around 4-6 weeks from flowering to reach maturity and be ready for harvest. During this time, it is important to maintain adequate moisture to support the growth and development of the cobs.
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Pollination
Sweet corn is wind-pollinated, with the tassels on top of the corn pollinating the silks on the end of the cobs. To ensure effective pollination, it is recommended to plant corn in blocks rather than single rows. This is because corn pollinates itself more effectively when grown in close proximity. Planting in a sheltered environment can hinder pollination, as the wind cannot reach the plants. In this case, hand pollination may be necessary.
To promote pollination, it is also important to consider the timing of irrigation, as this can influence pollination and seed set. Sweet corn is a warm-season crop, with a preferred growing season temperature of 15–32°C. The soil temperature should ideally be between 15°C and 35°C, with a minimum of 14–16°C for supersweet varieties. Frosts can damage young seedlings, particularly the growing tip, so it is important to avoid planting during this time. Similarly, hot, dry, and windy conditions at flowering time, when temperatures exceed 35°C, can disrupt pollination.
To avoid cross-pollination, it is vital to isolate sweet corn from other types of corn, such as field corn (maize), popcorn, and standard sweet corns. Supersweet cultivars should be planted at least 400 meters away from standard sweet corns or have staggered plantings with at least 14–21 days between pollination times.
In addition to spacing and timing considerations, the soil type and depth can also impact pollination. Sweet corn grows best in deep, fertile, loam soils with adequate nutrients. The rootzone depth should preferably be a minimum of 50 cm, as sweet corn roots can grow to 1.2 meters. Deep ploughing before planting can help break up shallow hard pans and compaction layers, promoting successful plant growth.
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Harvesting
Sweet corn is generally ready to be harvested two to three weeks after flowering. You'll know when it's flowering because the male flowers look like wheat. The silk tassels which hang from the top of each cob will turn dark brown.
To test whether the corn is ripe enough to eat, peel back a small section of the papery casing and break open a kernel with your fingernail. If the liquid that comes out is clear, the corn is not ripe; if it is milky, it can be harvested immediately. For sweet yellow varieties, the kernels should be firm, golden yellow, and plump. If they are, use a pin or the tip of a sharp knife to prick a kernel or two. If unripe, the kernels will be soft, and if overripe, they will be hard.
The corn will not continue to ripen once picked, so it must be picked ripe and eaten fresh, preferably the same day it was harvested. Harvest in the early morning for the sweetest cobs.
Each plant should produce between two and four cobs of corn.
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