- Hardiness Zone: 2-11 Annual
Seed Depth: 1–2 inches
Seed Spacing: 8–12 inches
Row Spacing: 30–36 inches
Sunlight: Full sun
Days to Sprout: 7–10 days
Days to Maturity: 85–100 days
Growth Habit: Upright annual
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Soil Type: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8. Enrich soil with compost or aged manure before planting.
When to Plant: Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost, when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F.
Direct Sowing: Plant seeds 1–2 inches deep and 8–12 inches apart in rows 30–36 inches apart. Plant in blocks of at least four rows for proper pollination.
Indoor Sowing: Not recommended; direct sowing produces the best results for corn.
Succession Planting: Sow every 2 weeks until mid-summer for a continuous harvest.
Watering: Water deeply and consistently, especially during tasseling and ear development. Maintain evenly moist soil without waterlogging.
Fertilizing: Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer at planting and side-dress with additional fertilizer when plants reach 12 inches tall.
Pruning: Remove any weeds to prevent competition for nutrients. No pruning is necessary.
Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for corn earworms, aphids, and rust. Use organic solutions like neem oil or handpick pests if necessary.
When to Harvest: Harvest ears when silks turn brown and kernels are plump and milky when pierced, typically 85–100 days after planting.
How to Harvest: Twist ears downward and pull to detach them from the stalk. Harvest in the morning for the best flavor.
Seed Collection: Allow some ears to mature fully on the stalk, then remove and dry seeds for planting.
Storing Seeds: Dry seeds thoroughly and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Why You’ll Love It
Country Gentleman Sweet Corn is an heirloom treasure dating back to the 1800s, known for its rich flavor, creamy texture, and unique kernel formation. Unlike modern hybrids, it features tightly packed white kernels in a “shoepeg” (irregular) pattern rather than uniform rows. This corn has a higher sugar content than most open-pollinated varieties, making it a favorite for fresh eating, canning, and freezing. Ideal for home gardens and heirloom preservation, it grows tall and produces large ears bursting with old-fashioned sweetness.
Plant Characteristics
Height: 6–8 feet
Growth Habit: Upright with tall, sturdy stalks
Ear Type: Large, full ears with irregularly spaced white kernels
Days to Maturity: 85–95 days
Hardiness: Warm-season annual
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor: Creamy, sweet, and rich with a tender bite
Culinary Uses: Best enjoyed fresh off the cob, boiled or steamed. Excellent for canning, freezing, and adding to chowders and casseroles.
Companion Planting Tips
Good Companions: Beans, squash, cucumbers, and sunflowers
Avoid Planting Near: Other corn varieties you don’t want to cross-pollinate
Bonus Benefit: Unique shoepeg kernel pattern makes this a beautiful and flavorful heirloom addition to summer gardens
Common Issues and Solutions
Uneven Kernels: Plant in blocks for better pollination — avoid long single rows
Poor Growth: Ensure full sun, rich soil, and consistent moisture during tasseling and ear formation
Pest Pressure (Corn Earworms): Use natural deterrents like neem oil or introduce beneficial insects
Seeds Per Packet
3g | Approximately 27 |
5g | Approximately 45 |
10g | Approximately 90 |
15g | Approximately 135 |
Why You’ll Love It
Country Gentleman Sweet Corn is an heirloom treasure dating back to the 1800s, known for its rich flavor, creamy texture, and unique kernel formation. Unlike modern hybrids, it features tightly packed white kernels in a “shoepeg” (irregular) pattern rather than uniform rows. This corn has a higher sugar content than most open-pollinated varieties, making it a favorite for fresh eating, canning, and freezing. Ideal for home gardens and heirloom preservation, it grows tall and produces large ears bursting with old-fashioned sweetness.
Plant Characteristics
Height: 6–8 feet
Growth Habit: Upright with tall, sturdy stalks
Ear Type: Large, full ears with irregularly spaced white kernels
Days to Maturity: 85–95 days
Hardiness: Warm-season annual
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor: Creamy, sweet, and rich with a tender bite
Culinary Uses: Best enjoyed fresh off the cob, boiled or steamed. Excellent for canning, freezing, and adding to chowders and casseroles.
Companion Planting Tips
Good Companions: Beans, squash, cucumbers, and sunflowers
Avoid Planting Near: Other corn varieties you don’t want to cross-pollinate
Bonus Benefit: Unique shoepeg kernel pattern makes this a beautiful and flavorful heirloom addition to summer gardens
Common Issues and Solutions
Uneven Kernels: Plant in blocks for better pollination — avoid long single rows
Poor Growth: Ensure full sun, rich soil, and consistent moisture during tasseling and ear formation
Pest Pressure (Corn Earworms): Use natural deterrents like neem oil or introduce beneficial insects
Seeds Per Packet
3g | Approximately 27 |
5g | Approximately 45 |
10g | Approximately 90 |
15g | Approximately 135 |
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