Maize as a crop is characterized by high productivity and nutritional value. Therefore, it is a staple food in underdeveloped countries, while it is mainly used as livestock feed in highly developed countries.

It is a thermophilic root crop that requires temperatures above 10 °C (50 °F) for germination and above 16 °C (60 °F) in subsequent stages of vegetation. Its greatest growth occurs at 22 °C (72 °F).

In Europe, the main maize growing areas are: Ukraine, Romania, Hungary, France and Serbia.