[vanessa.xx]

Just noticed today that I have side shoots growing on some of my sweetcorn, do I need to do anything about them?

[Yorkie]

Nope 

They're called tillers and if you're really lucky you might get another cob off them (don't hold your breath though).

[vanessa.xx]

  thank you I'll keep the tillers and also my fingers crossed then

[Salmo]

I read an article which said that while the tillers are small they contribute to the growth of the main plant. Once they start to form flowers they just contribute to their own growth but do not detract from the main plant.

In my experience they seldon form a worthwhile cob. Does not matter either way.