Planting Corn

Corn should be direct sown, as they have sensitive roots that can easily be disturbed during transplanting. Corn is pollenated by wind, and should be grown in blocks of at least 4-6 rows of a single variety for best results. Germination can be sped up by moistening the seeds and wrapping them in paper towel before storing them in a plastic bag for 24 hours.

Corn should be planted once your last frost date has passed. Sow seeds 3.5cm (1 1/2") deep, 10cm (4") apart with 75cm (30") between rows. Water seeds in well, adding a balanced fertiliser if the soil hasn't had compost worked into it in the past few weeks. Corn prefers well-draining soil, and will thrive in full sun.

Growing Corn

Once the corn seedlings are 10cm (4") tall, thin them to be roughly 30cm (12") apart. Corn has shallow roots and is easily stressed by drought; keep the soil moist but not wet, and mulch to help prevent evaporation. Fertilise with nitrogen-rich fertiliser once the plants reach 20cm (8") tall, and again once they reach knee height. To assist in windy areas, soil can be mounded around the base of each plant once it reaches 30cm (12") tall.

Corn is pollenated by the tassel on top of the plant dusting the silks of each ear with pollen in the wind. In areas of low wind or if you have few plants, corn can be pollenated by hand if necessary. Once the tassel begins shedding pollen and silks have emerged, cut the tassel off and brush it along the silks of each ear.

Harvesting Corn

Ears of corn are usually ready 2-3 weeks after silks emerge, or sooner if the temperature is especially warm. Sweet corn can be checked by gently peeling back the husk and piercing a kernel with a fingernail; a white or milky liquid indicates it's ready for harvest. Pull the ear downwards and twist to remove it from the stalk, and use or freeze as soon as possible.