An In-Depth Guide to the Best Varieties of Sweet Corn for Home Gardening

ByVictoria Arias
best sweet corn varieties 1799097a

Imagine enjoying a sweet, juicy ear of homegrown corn, smothered in butter. If you’ve never experienced this delight, you’re missing out on one of the simple joys of gardening. Corn is a versatile and rewarding crop that can be grown in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Whether you eat it fresh, cooked, popped into popcorn, or preserved, corn adds a delicious touch to any meal.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top-rated varieties of sweet corn that you can grow in your garden. From traditional favorites to colorful hybrids, there’s a corn variety for every taste. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of corn cultivation and discover the best varieties for your garden.

The Three Main Types of Sweet Corn

Before we delve into the specific varieties, let’s explore the three main types of sweet corn marketed to home gardeners. Understanding these distinctions can help you choose the right variety for your growing conditions and taste preferences:

Sugary (SU)

  • This common cultivar is known for its tolerance to cool conditions.
  • Identified by the “SU” designation on seed packets.
  • Has a shorter shelf life once harvested.

Supersweet (SH2)

  • Known for its high sugar content.
  • Identified by the “SH2” designation or descriptors such as “ultrasweet.”
  • Can be more challenging to grow and has a shorter shelf life.

Sugar Extended (SE)

  • Another supersweet variety with a high sugar content.
  • Identified by the “SE” designation.
  • Kernels last longer on the plant after harvest.

Each type of sweet corn has its unique characteristics and requirements, so choose the variety that best suits your growing environment and taste preferences.

11 Top-Rated Sweet Corn Varieties

Let’s explore some of the best sweet corn varieties that you can grow in your garden:

  1. Ambrosia Hybrid
  2. A sweet and tender SE variety with yellow and white kernels.
  3. Mature in 75 days with eight-inch-long ears on six-and-a-half-foot-tall plants.

  4. Available from True Leaf Market.

  5. Blue Hopi

  6. An heirloom SH2 variety with dark blue ears.
  7. Traditionally believed to ensure a safe return when eaten before a journey.
  8. Mature in 100-110 days, suitable for eating or grinding into flour.

  9. Seeds available from Eden Brothers.

  10. Golden Bantam

  11. The variety that popularized yellow sweet corn.
  12. An SU type that matures early in the season.
  13. Grows on five-foot stalks with five-and-a-half to six-and-a-half-inch-long ears.

  14. Seeds available from Burpee.

  15. Honey Select Hybrid

  16. An AAS Winner known for its rich and sweet flavor.
  17. Combines SE and SH2 characteristics for superior taste.
  18. Ready to harvest in 80 days, suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 3-11.

  19. Available from True Leaf Market.

  20. Jubilee Hybrid

  21. Produces large yields of deliciously sweet ears.
  22. Mature in 90 days with eight to nine-inch ears.
  23. Suitable for processing, freezing, or fresh consumption.

  24. Seeds available from Eden Brothers.

  25. Nirvana Hybrid

  26. A bi-color yellow and white variety that is high yielding.
  27. An SH2 variety with plump kernels for extra sweetness.
  28. Ready to harvest in 72 days, grows best in full sun conditions.

  29. Seeds available from Burpee.

  30. Peaches and Cream

  31. A SE variety that produces both white and yellow kernels.
  32. Mature in 80 to 83 days with large ears suitable for markets.
  33. Thrives in full sun and acidic soils.

  34. Available from True Leaf Market.

  35. Picasso Hybrid

  36. A visually stunning variety with deep purple stalks and colorful ears.
  37. Suitable for roasting, baking, or boiling.
  38. Ready to harvest in 75 days, thrives in full sun conditions.

  39. Seeds available from Burpee.

  40. Ruby Queen Hybrid

  41. A vibrant red SE variety with sweet and tender kernels.
  42. Mature in 75 days, suitable for steaming or microwaving.
  43. Recommended for its rich taste and color.

  44. Seeds available via Amazon.

  45. Silver Queen Hybrid

    • A popular late-season SU variety with white kernels.
    • Ready to harvest in 92 days with large and flavorful ears.
    • Suitable for gardeners willing to wait for a delicious crop.
    • Seeds available from True Leaf Market.

  46. Stowells Evergreen

  47. An heirloom SU variety with fresh and tender white kernels.
  48. Matures in 95 to 100 days with long-lasting ears.
  49. Suitable for full sun conditions and productive growth.
  50. Available from Eden Brothers.

With a wide range of sweet corn varieties to choose from, you can find the perfect cultivar that suits your taste preferences and growing conditions. Each variety offers unique flavors, colors, and yields, making corn cultivation a rewarding experience for any gardener.

Conclusion: A Diverse and Vibrant Crop

In conclusion, sweet corn is a versatile and rewarding crop that can enhance your garden and your meals. With the wide array of varieties available, there’s a corn for every gardener, whether you prefer traditional flavors or colorful hybrids. By choosing the right variety for your garden, you can enjoy the sweet, juicy taste of homegrown corn throughout the growing season.

Which sweet corn variety are you excited to grow in your garden? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know how your corn cultivation journey is progressing. Happy gardening!

For more information on growing corn and related topics, check out these helpful guides:

  • Master Growing Delicious Sweet Corn in Your Backyard
  • Why Are My Corn Seedlings Dying? 5 Common Reasons
  • The Best 7 Varieties of Popcorn to Grow Your Own
  • 9 of the Best Companion Plants to Grow with Corn

By exploring the diverse world of sweet corn varieties, you can transform your garden into a colorful and abundant oasis of delicious flavors and vibrant colors. Happy growing!

*

Similar Posts