Sweet Corn
Sweet Corn
Sweet corn (Zea mays subsp. mays) is one of the most popular fresh market vegetables produced in Kentucky. While field corn has thousands of years of history, sweet corn has only been available since the 1700s. Present day cultivars vary be kernel color (yellow, white and bicolor) and sugar content.
Key Requirements
| Land | Low to Medium |
| Labor | Medium |
| Capital | Low |
Take the HortBizQuiz to see how much Land, Labor, and Capital you have for your operation.
Markets
- Direct to Consumer
- Farmer's Market
- On-Farm Stands
- CSA
- Restaurants
- Local Grocery
Pests & Disease
Corn earworm is one of the most destructive insects attacking sweet corn. Other insect pests that can cause crop damage include corn borer, armyworm, Japanese beetles and flea beetles. Potential disease problems include Stewart’s wilt, leaf blights, rust and viruses.
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
Challenges
- Susceptible to wildlife causing crop loss
- Ears must be quickly and properly cooled once harvested to prevent the sucrose from changing into starch
- Requires more area per unit than many other vegetable crops.
Opportunities
- Does well in all area’s of Kentucky
- Has high demand and in-season corn is easy to sell per ear
- Different varieties of sweet corn allow for variety in offerings to consumers.