garden
Sweet corn
Zea mays
EdibleMedicinalDrought Tolerant
Edible Partsseed
Overview
The classic summer vegetable whose sugars begin converting to starch the moment it's picked — the truest 'farm to table' argument there is. Sweet corn was developed from wild teosinte in Mexico over 9,000 years ago in one of agriculture's most dramatic domestication events. Modern supersweet varieties hold their sweetness longer, but nothing beats the flavor of corn eaten within minutes of harvest.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureWet
Hardiness Zones10b — 11
Height2.44m
Spread0.5m
Growth HabitForb/herb
LifespanAnnual
Bloom ColorYellow
Pollinator Valuenone
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH5.8 — 7
Soil TypeRich, well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of nitrogen
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | Jun — Jun | Direct sow when soil is 60°F+; plant in blocks of 4+ rows for pollination |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Aug — Sep | Harvest when silks are brown and dry; kernels release milky juice |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | May — Jun | Direct sow when soil reaches 60°F; blocks not rows for wind pollination |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Harvest 18-24 days after silks appear; eat immediately for best sweetness |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Apr — Jun | Direct sow after soil is 60°F; succession sow every 2 weeks |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Harvest when silks brown; press kernel — should be milky |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Mar — Apr | Direct sow in spring; can succession sow through May |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | May — Jul | Harvest in morning for best sweetness; refrigerate immediately |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Feb — Mar | Sow in early spring; soil warms quickly |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Apr — Jun | Harvest before extreme heat dries silks |
Uses
Culinary
- Fresh off the cob — boiled, grilled, or roasted
- Cut from cob for succotash, chowder, and salads
- Dried and ground into cornmeal and masa
Medicinal
- Corn silk tea traditionally used as a diuretic for urinary health
- Good source of B vitamins, particularly thiamin
- Lutein and zeaxanthin support eye health
Other Uses
- Three Sisters planting with beans and squash
- Stalks provide structure for pole beans to climb
