Zea mays 'Sparrow'
sweet corn 'Sparrow'
A fast-growing annual which produces tender, well-filled kernels of yellow corn-on-the-cob. The plants grow to 1 - 1.5m with sword-shaped green leaves up the stem. The cobs form from female flowers in the axils of the lower leaves, whilst the male flowers form at the top. The cobs are ready to harvest August-September
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Yellow | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
A genus of five, large, flowering plants the grass family. The most important species, Zea mays is widely cultivated food crop. Male flowers are borne in large, terminal inflorescences (tassels) and female flowers are hidden in clusters in the leaf axils
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a warm sheltered spot in a block rather than as a row, to improve pollination by the wind. Water regularly. For more advice, see sweetcorn cultivation.
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Edible fruit
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to seeds being eaten by mice and seedlings pulled up by pigeons
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.