How to grow Sweetcorn in the UK
Zea mays
Sweetcorn (Zea mays) is a vegetable that grows well in UK gardens. Plant in a block, not a single row, so wind pollinates all the cobs. Eat within an hour of picking. This guide covers when and how to sow Sweetcorn, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
When to sow & grow Sweetcorn
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May Sow | Jun Plant | Jul | Aug Harvest | Sep Harvest | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Fertile, free-draining soil enriched with garden compost
- Soil pH
- 6.5–7.0 (neutral)
- Position
- Open, sunny site
- Sowing depth
- 2.5 cm
- Spacing
- 35 cm apart in blocks (not rows) for wind pollination
- Sowing
- Sow indoors Apr–May or direct Jun; plant in a block
- Growing
- Water well at flowering and as cobs swell
- Harvest & upkeep
- Ripe when tassels brown and kernels run milky if pressed
- Watch for
- Badgers, mice, smut
Companion planting for Sweetcorn
Grows well with:
The Three Sisters: beans climb the corn, squash shades the soil. Avoid planting near tomatoes (shared pests).
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Sweetcorn FAQs
When should I sow Sweetcorn in the UK?
In the UK, sow Sweetcorn in May. Sowing across these months gives the plant the right soil temperature and day length to establish well.
What grows well with Sweetcorn?
Sweetcorn grows well alongside Broad Bean, Courgette, Cucumber, Dwarf French Bean, Garden Pea, Potato. Good companions can deter pests, attract pollinators or make better use of space.
How much sun does Sweetcorn need?
Sweetcorn prefers full sun (6+ hrs direct).
When is Sweetcorn ready to harvest?
Sweetcorn is typically ready to harvest in August, September in the UK.
Is Sweetcorn easy to grow?
Moderate. Plant in a block, not a single row, so wind pollinates all the cobs. Eat within an hour of picking.