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How to Grow Corn

Want to know how to get kids to eat their vegies? Feed them sweet corn – it's the vegie that kids most love. Sweet corn is easy to grow but, if your kids are really keen, remember that each plant will only produce one or two cobs, so you'll need plenty of plants to feed those hungry mouths!

Full sun with protection from strong winds

Regular watering

Rich, fertile and well-draining soil

Suitable for all climatic zones.

12-14 weeks

From spring, when soil is warm and all danger of frosts is over, check the label for your location

How to grow corn in a garden

Step 1

Choose a sunny spot in the garden. Ensure it's a good size, so you can grow a block of corn – this is better for pollination and corn production. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

As seeds can be finicky, sow two seeds into the one hole and space 30-40cm apart. Water in well.

Step 3

Feed seedlings weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food.

Step 4

As the seedlings grow, mulch around the base of the plant with organic mulch like sugar cane or pea straw to retain moisture.

How to grow corn in a pot

Step 1

Choose pots 300mm wide and deep. Position in a sunny spot and protect from strong winds.

Step 2

Fill pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. Sow 2 seeds per pot, cover and water in well.

Step 3

Feed seedlings weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food.

Yates Varieties

Sweet Corn Early Chief

$6.65

Sweet Corn Sun 'n' Snow

$6.65

Growing tips

While corn is a heat loving plant that grows easily from seed, the seeds won't germinate until the soil is warm. 
Kernels will only grow when there is enough pollination between plants; this is why it is important to grow corn in blocks rather than single rows.
Corn is ready to harvest when the silk or 'hair' on top of the corn is brown and shrivelled and the fluid inside the kernel is milky. If it's still clear, the corn isn't ready.