Golden Bantam 12 Sweet Corn Growing Guide

Golden Bantam 12 Sweet Corn (Zea mays) is an heirloom variety known for its rich, sweet flavor and tender, golden-yellow kernels. This early-maturing corn is a popular choice for home gardeners due to its excellent taste and reliable performance. Golden Bantam 12 Sweet Corn is perfect for fresh eating, canning, and freezing, making it a versatile addition to your garden.

   

 

Planting Golden Bantam 12 Sweet Corn

Sunlight: Choose a location that receives full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day. Corn thrives in warm, sunny conditions.

Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage. Corn is a heavy feeder, so nutrient-rich soil is essential for a good harvest.

When to Plant: Corn is a warm-season crop that should be planted after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (16°C). In cooler climates, you can start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date and transplant them outdoors after the soil has warmed.

Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly in the garden 1-1.5 inches deep and 8-12 inches apart in rows spaced 30-36 inches apart. For optimal pollination, plant corn in blocks of at least four rows rather than in a single row.

Transplanting: If starting indoors, transplant seedlings outdoors when they are about 4-6 inches tall and the soil has warmed.

 

Caring for Golden Bantam 12 Sweet Corn

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water corn regularly, especially during dry periods, to ensure even moisture. Corn needs plenty of water during the tasseling, silking, and ear development stages.

Fertilization: Corn is a heavy feeder. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting time. Side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer when the plants are about 12 inches tall and again when they start to tassel. Mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Mulching and Weeding: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature consistent. Hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow roots of the corn.

Pollination: Corn is wind-pollinated, so proper planting in blocks is essential for good pollination. If growing in a small garden, you can hand-pollinate by gently shaking the tassels to release pollen onto the silks.

Pest and Disease Management: Corn can be susceptible to pests such as corn earworms, cutworms, and aphids. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or hand-picking to manage infestations. Practice crop rotation and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like rust and smut.

 

Harvesting Golden Bantam 12 Sweet Corn

When to Harvest: Golden Bantam 12 Sweet Corn is typically ready to harvest 70-85 days after planting. Harvest when the silks have turned brown and dry, and the kernels are plump and milky when pierced with a fingernail.

How to Harvest: To harvest, hold the ear firmly and twist it downward to snap it off the stalk. For the best flavor, harvest in the morning and refrigerate the ears immediately if not eating them right away.

Storing and Using Golden Bantam 12 Sweet Corn

Storing Fresh Corn: Freshly harvested corn can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, corn can be blanched and frozen, or the kernels can be canned or dried.

Culinary Uses: Golden Bantam 12 Sweet Corn is perfect for fresh eating, grilling, boiling, or roasting. It can also be used in soups, salads, and casseroles, or preserved by canning or freezing.

 

Sweet Corn Growing Tips

Succession Planting: For a continuous harvest, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season.

Soil Preparation: Corn is a heavy feeder and requires nutrient-rich soil. Before planting, work in plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to provide essential nutrients and improve soil structure.

Spacing: Proper spacing is crucial for good air circulation and reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Ensure plants are spaced adequately to allow for proper growth.

Pest Prevention: Use row covers to protect young plants from pests like cutworms and corn earworms. Remove covers when the plants begin to tassel to allow for pollination.

Watering: Corn needs consistent moisture, especially during the critical tasseling and ear development stages. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

 

Growing Golden Bantam 12 Sweet Corn in your garden ensures a continuous supply of sweet, tender corn throughout the growing season. Enjoy the rich flavor and numerous culinary uses of this heirloom variety!