Sweet Corn
Zea mays convar. saccharata
Sweet corn is a productive warm-season crop that performs best in fertile soil, full sun and consistent moisture. Plant it in short blocks rather than single rows to improve pollination and produce fuller cobs.
Overview
At a Glance
Peak Planting Window
September to March
Seasonal Role
Warm-season staple crop
Difficulty
Easy
Planting Method
Direct sow
First Harvest
10–14 weeks
Sun
Full sun
Water
High
Heat Tolerance
High
Humidity Tolerance
High
Family
Poaceae
Category
Vegetable
Planting Calendar
Monthly Planting Guide
Month-by-month suitability for coastal subtropical Australia.
Rationale
Why This Planting Window
Sweet corn thrives in warm soil and full sun, producing the strongest growth and highest yields during spring and summer. Planting once soil temperatures have warmed ensures rapid germination and healthy, productive plants.
Reference
Growing Information
Lifecycle
Annual
Ideal Soil Temperature
18–30°C
Germination
7–10 days
Transplant Ready
Not recommended
Soil
Rich, fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of compost
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Plant Spacing
25–30 cm
Row Spacing
60–75 cm
Frost Tolerance
Low
In the garden
Plant Care
Feeding
Sweet corn is a heavy feeder and performs best in fertile, compost-rich soil with additional nitrogen supplied during early growth.
Watering Guidance
Maintain consistent moisture throughout growth, particularly during tasselling and cob development. Water stress during these stages can significantly reduce yield.
Avoid Nearby
- No significant planting conflicts for home gardens.
Watch out for
Problems & Prevention
Common Pests
Corn earworm, aphids, armyworm and cutworm.
Common Diseases
Rust, smut and leaf blight.
Common Mistakes
Planting too early into cold soil, planting in single rows instead of blocks, and allowing plants to dry out during cob formation.
Picking
Harvest
First Harvest
10–14 weeks
Harvest Window
Harvest over 2–3 weeks depending on variety and planting dates
Harvest Indicators
Harvest when the silks have turned brown and dry, but the husks remain green. Kernels should release a milky sap when pierced with a fingernail.
Standard
SGGS Details
Subtropical Gardener Growing Standard — profile metadata.
- SGGS Code
- VEG012
- Version
- 1
- Confidence
- High
- Seasonal Role
- Warm-season staple crop
- Crop Champion Month
- October
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