Sweet corn (Zea mays L.) is a high value crop that requires proper management to ensure good yield and ear quality. Plant density (PD) and nitrogen (N) fertilization are two important factors influencing corn growth and development; and thus, its yield and quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of PD and N fertilizer rate on the yield and ear quality (size and soluble sugar content) of sweet corn hybrids (“Mirai 148Y” in 2010 and “Vision” in 2011). In 2010, the trial was planted in early June in Fresno, CA using three PD (60, 75, and 90,000 plants ha^-1) and three N levels (165, 225, and 280 kg ha^-1). In 2011, the trial was planted in early April and an additional PD (50,000 plants ha^-1) and N fertilizer level (112 kg ha^-1) were added. In 2010, which was a warmer season, yield was highest for the low PD (39,629 ear ha^-1) and 27 and 50% lower for the 75, and 90,000 plants ha^-1 treatments, respectively. An increase in N levels from 165 to 225 kg ha^-1 resulted in a 25% yield increase. In 2011 which had a cooler growing season, PD had a positive effect on yield and the 75,000 plants ha^-1 treatment had the highest yield (47,286 ear ha^-1). For N, the 165kg N ha^-1 treatment yielded 16% higher (47,743 ear ha ^-1) than did the 112 kg N ha^-1 treatment (40,021 ear ha^-1). In both years, the ears were smaller at higher PD and lower N levels, but all ears were within the acceptable size range (≥ 18 cm). In summary, for early plantings, increasing PD up to 75,000 plants ha ^-1 increased the yield of sweet corn and N application levels of 165 kg ha^-1 appeared to be optimum.