Vegetable · Poaceae family
sweet corn
Zea mays var. saccharata
In short a 10-second read
Sweet corn (vegetable) grows to 1.5–2.4 m tall and 0.3–0.6 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average soil. Plant out in May–June. Harvest in August–September.
× spread 0.3–0.6 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun, in average soil.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average · watering: moderate
Soil: clay, humus-rich, loamy
Soil pH 5.5–8
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Planting out
transplant outdoors: May–June
Harvest
August–September
Winter protection
does not overwinter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When is sweet corn harvested?
In August–September.
Does sweet corn tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does sweet corn need?
At maturity 0.3–0.6 m wide and 1.5–2.4 m tall; recommended spacing 40 cm.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 20 October 2026.
Show sources (8)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Zea mays
- RHS — Sweetcorn — grow your own
- Wikidata (CC0) — Zea mays
- EPPO Global Database — Zea mays
- USU Extension - How to Grow Sweet Corn
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
