Many people think that corn is difficult to grow in Sweden – but it is actually one of the most fun (and impressive!) vegetables to have in the garden or on the farm. With the right tricks, you can get big, sweet ears even in our Swedish climate. Here are my best tips that we use ourselves when growing corn for Odlariket.
🧡 Choose the right corn
All varieties we sell at odlariket.se are tested to work in Swedish gardens. Feel free to choose an early variety if you live a little further north – for example ' Damaun ' or 'Golden bantman '.
🪴 Sow indoors in April
Corn likes heat, so it's smart to sow it indoors .
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Sow one seed in a small pot or toilet roll (they like to grow undisturbed).
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Use regular potting soil.
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Water and place in a warm place, preferably near a window.
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After 4 weeks, the plants are ready to be planted out.
💡 Tip!
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Keep the soil moist but not wet.
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Use a plastic bag or mini greenhouse over the pot for the first week so it becomes like a small greenhouse.
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Put a name on the pot so you know what variety it is!
🌞 When can you plant the corn?
When the danger of frost is over and the plants are about 15–20 cm tall. For most people, this is late May or early June .
Should the corn be covered?
✅ Yes, feel free to cover with non-woven fabric for the first few weeks outdoors!
It protects against cold and gives extra boost. You can remove the cloth when the plants are a little bigger and the weather is stable.
📏 How to plant?
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Plant the corn in small groups/blocks , not in a long row. This helps them pollinate each other (so the cobs get full).
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Leave 25 cm between each plant and 40–50 cm between rows.
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Put them in a sunny spot with protection from the wind if you can.
💧 Care – water and nutrition
Corn grows quickly and needs a lot of water and nutrients !
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Water thoroughly when dry.
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Feel free to place grass clippings or straw around the plants – this will retain moisture and provide extra nutrition.
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Fertilize with a little chicken manure, nettle water or liquid plant food every two weeks until the cobs begin to form.
💡 Tip!
When the plant is about 30 cm tall – pull up some soil around the stem . This will make it stand firmly and can get more support roots.
🕒 When can you harvest?
You know the flask is ready when:
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The threads (beard) on the piston have turned brown .
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You press on a grain and white milky liquid comes out.
Harvest and eat immediately – the sweetness disappears quickly after harvest.
🍽 What do you do with the harvest?
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Cook and eat with butter and salt – yum!
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Freeze the flasks (blanch them for 2–3 minutes first).
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Grill in the summer.
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Save a few cobs to dry for decoration or popcorn.
Corn is not only delicious – it’s also beautiful to grow and fun for kids to follow. I hope you try it this year! 🌽
You can find the seeds here:
👉 https://odlariket.se/collections/majs
Do you have any questions? Feel free to write to od on Instagram or via the website – we're happy to help!