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Close-up of a grilled street corn cob generously topped with cojita cheese, mayonnaise, and chili powder

Best way to grow Street Corn (Elote) in 5 Steps

This guide will show you how to grow your own delicious Street Corn (Elote) in just five simple steps, from preparing your soil to harvesting the flavorful ears. Get ready to enjoy fresh, homegrown corn with a distinctive Mexican flair.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Garden
  • 1 packet Corn seeds
  • 2 bags Compost
  • 1 box Fertilizer
For the Elote
  • 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup Cotija cheese
  • 1 tbsp Chili powder
  • 1 Lime

Equipment

  • Garden hoe
  • Trowel
  • Watering can
  • Grill or pot

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden and enrich the soil with compost and a balanced fertilizer to prepare it for planting the corn seeds.
Planting
  1. Plant corn seeds in rows, approximately 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart, ensuring proper spacing for growth.
Care and Growth
  1. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, and fertilize established plants every few weeks to encourage strong growth.
Harvesting
  1. Harvest corn when the tassels turn brown and the kernels are plump and milky when punctured, typically 60-100 days after planting.
Serving
  1. After cooking, spread mayonnaise on the corn, sprinkle with cotija cheese and chili powder, and squeeze fresh lime juice over it for that authentic elote experience.

Notes

For optimal results, rotate your corn planting location each year. Consider companion planting with beans and squash to naturally enrich the soil and deter pests.