Sweet Corn Seeds - Country Gentleman
Best heirloom choice for gardeners seeking traditional flavor and tall stalks.
Discover the unique Country Gentleman sweet corn, an heirloom variety known for its distinctive white shoepeg kernels arranged in an old-timey pattern. These plants grow impressively tall, often exceeding nine feet, and produce ears with a great, less sweet flavor compared to modern varieties. Each packet contains a minimum of 120 seeds. For best results, sow seeds directly after the last frost in well-draining soil, planting in a block formation to ensure proper wind pollination. This variety thrives in full sun and requires moderate watering.
$3.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3139
/ 5901
#3139 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Minimum Seeds per Packet
120
Who it's for
- Sustainable gardeners interested in reliable, long-term seed saving
- Gourmet cooks seeking authentic, old-fashioned heirloom flavor
- Home canners desiring unique texture for creamed corn recipes
Who should skip it
- Busy cooks needing corn that stays sweet after harvest
- Northern gardeners living in regions with short growing seasons
- Commercial growers prioritizing high yields and modern disease resistance
Performance breakdown
Heirloom Authenticity
Preserves the classic shoepeg kernel pattern favored by traditional home gardeners.
Growth Scale
Impressive nine-foot stalks create a dramatic presence in any vegetable patch.
Flavor Profile
Offers a sophisticated, less sugary taste compared to modern hybrid varieties.
Pollination Complexity
Requires careful block planting to ensure successful kernel development and yield.
Germination Reliability
Standard heirloom vigor requires consistent soil temperatures for optimal sprout rates.
Space Efficiency
Large footprint and height requirements make this unsuitable for container gardening.
Key Specs
Minimum Seeds per Packet
120
Packet Weight
21g
Days to Maturity
96 days
Sowing Method
Direct Seed
Seed Depth
1/2 inch (1.27 cm)
Sun Requirement
Full Sun
Mature Spacing
8-12 inches apart
Soil Temperature for Germination
65-80 ℉
Features
- Heirloom variety with unique shoepeg kernels
- Produces tall plants, often exceeding 9 feet
- White kernels offer distinct, great flavor
- Ideal for fresh eating
- Requires block planting for pollination
- Annual life cycle
- Suitable for full sun conditions
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly cherish these seeds for delivering an authentic, old-fashioned sweet corn experience. The primary driver of satisfaction is the exceptional flavor profile, frequently described as intensely sweet, creamy, and nostalgic. Gardeners value the reliability, noting strong germination when proper conditions are met. Many seek this heirloom variety specifically for its unique shoepeg kernel arrangement, finding it superior for fresh eating and canning. While yields may be lower than commercial hybrids, experienced growers accept this trade-off for superior taste and heritage preservation. The consensus confirms this seed offers excellent quality, making it a must-have for those prioritizing classic flavor and heritage.
Know before you buy
This heirloom variety features unique 'shoepeg' kernels that are arranged in an irregular pattern rather than neat rows. It offers a more traditional, less sugary flavor profile compared to modern, super-sweet hybrids.
Corn is wind-pollinated, and planting in a block rather than a single long row ensures that pollen from the tassels successfully reaches the silks on the ears. This method results in well-filled ears with fewer missing kernels.
Country Gentleman is a vigorous grower that typically reaches heights of nine feet or more. Be sure to choose a location in your garden where this height won't shade out your smaller, sun-loving crops.
No, this variety is not suitable for containers. Due to its significant height and the need for block planting to ensure pollination, it requires the space and stability of an in-ground garden bed.
You should direct sow these seeds only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to between 65°F and 80°F. Planting in cold soil can lead to poor germination.
Country Gentleman takes approximately 96 days to reach maturity from the time of sowing. Plan your planting schedule accordingly to ensure you have enough warm weather for the full growing season.
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