Full Sun
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Tender
6a-11b
USDA zone
-23°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
2.5m | Max | 50cm |
1.5m | Min | 40cm |
1 years to reach maturity
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Sweetcorn
Sweetcorn Overview
Zea mays is also commonly known as maize, corn or sweet corn. It is a large annual vegetable that needs lots of water, added plant food and direct sun. Starch in sweet corn is converted into sugar more readily while the starch in maize will stay. These plants require plenty of space in the vegetable garden. They will quickly grow about 2 meters high! What makes them attractive for a garden is the varying colours of the kernels that can be yellow, white or both of these colours on the same cob. Interesting pearly and colourful variations are also available!
Common problems with Sweetcorn
Wireworm, stalk borers and black beetles are the most found insect pests on corn. Control with insecticide and keep the area weed free.
Sweetcorn Companion Plants
Beans, cucumbers, peas, squash, potatoes, parsley
How to harvest Sweetcorn
The cobs will be ready to harvest 70 - 80 days after sowing. The 'beard' usually dries and looks brown. To harvest a cob, grasp it firmly, bend it down and pull toward the ground with a twisting motion. Husk and cook or freeze immediately for best quality. Husks can be shredded and then composted or dug back into the garden soil.
How to propagate Sweetcorn
Seed
Sowing time best during Spring and Summer. Sow the sweetcorn and maize in blocks rather than rows for effective wind pollination. Sowing depth between 40 - 50 mm and germination time is 5 - 7 days.
Special features of Sweetcorn
Crop rotation
Heavy feeder
Attractive leaves
Light to medium green thick stem with long green stemless leaves.
Wet sites
Hedge plant
Often used as a hedge in the vegetable garden.
Other uses of Sweetcorn
Culinary
Edible
It is best to steam or grill corn on the cob to get its full nutritional benefits.
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