GardenHow to grow sweet corn
मक्का, भुट्टा. When to sow it in each part of India, how deep, how far apart, what size of pot, and what to watch for.
When to sow
North and central plainsFebruary and March, June and July
South and coastal IndiaJanuary and February, June and July, October and November
HillsApril and May
Green months are the usual sowing or planting time. Dates shift by a few weeks from place to place.
How to sow and grow
- Method
- Sow the seed straight where the plant will grow.
- Depth
- 3 cm
- Spacing
- 25 to 30 cm apart, in a block
- In a pot
- Best in the ground or a large trough; at least four plants together
- Sprouts in
- 5 to 10 days
- Harvest
- 70 to 90 days
- Sun
- Full sun: at least 6 hours a day
Tips from the garden
- Plant corn in a block of several short rows, not one long row. The wind must carry pollen from the tassels to the silks, and a block makes that work.
- The cob is ready when the silks turn brown and a pressed kernel gives milky juice.
- Corn is a heavy feeder. Add compost at planting and again when the plants are knee high.
What can go wrong
Cobs with missing kernels were poorly pollinated. Grow more plants together and shake the stalks gently when the tassels shed pollen.
Sown around the same time
New to growing from seed? Read how to sow seeds and the balcony and terrace garden guide.
Questions people ask
When is sweet corn sown in north India?
In the plains of north and central India, the usual sowing or planting months for sweet corn are February and March, June and July.
How long does sweet corn take to grow?
Usually 70 to 90 days.
Can sweet corn be grown in a pot?
Yes. Best in the ground or a large trough; at least four plants together.