Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Golden Bantam Sweet Corn is an open pollinated, heirloom variety of corn that is known for being the richest and sweetest corn variety. Ready in just 75 days, this variety was bred to produce early 5 to 6 inch ears of corn with vibrant, golden kernels. This easy-to-grow variety can tolerate fairly dry conditions and does well in the heat.
Golden Bantam Sweet Corn is ideal for fresh eating or freezing. If you want a true sweet corn, this is the one. Tastes great grilled, steamed or roasted, used in chilis and salsas, or canned for a later use. Try making a delicious Tex-Mex sloppy joe with home-grown Golden Bantam Sweet Corn and Jalapeno Peppers fresh from the garden. A perfect summer meal!
NAME: Corn (Zea mays)
VARIETY: Sweet Golden Bantam
DAYS TO MATURITY: 75 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Annual
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3 – 12
SUNLIGHT: Full sun
SOIL: Fertile, loose soil with a pH 6.0 – 6.5
PLANT HEIGHT: 50 – 65 inches
TEMP: 55 – 90 °F
These seeds do not required stratification.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
Starting Bantam Sweet Corn seeds indoors is not recommended. While it’s technically possible to start seeds indoors, it’s generally not recommended due to corn’s large size, rapid growth, and sensitivity to transplanting shock.
If you still choose to start seeds indoors, use biodegradable pots or peat pots to minimize root disturbance during transplanting.
Fill the containers with a high-quality potting mix. Plant 2-3 seeds per pot, about 1 inch deep.
Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a temperature of around 65-75°F (18-24°C) for optimal germination.
Provide adequate light, either by placing pots near a sunny window or using grow lights.
Transplant the strongest seedling outdoors after the last frost date, being very careful not to disturb the roots.
One week after your last local frost or when the soil consistently reaches 60°F, plant the Golden Bantam sweet corn seed.
Soak your seeds in water for 12 hours before planting to decrease germination time.
Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart in rows spaced 24 to 36 inches apart. Germination should happen within 7 to 12 days.
Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart when they get to be 6 inches tall.
Keep soil moist and carefully remove weeds after the seedlings emerge, corn cannot fight against weeds so mulch may be beneficial
Prepare your soil bed by amending with compost and removing any weeds or rocks.
Keep in mind that corn has shallow roots which can easily become damaged by hoeing.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once the plants are about knee-high, and again when they begin to tassel.
Hill soil up around the base of the stalks once they are about a foot tall to provide additional support and encourage root development.
Watch for signs of pests and diseases, such as corn borers and common rust, and treat as necessary with appropriate methods or organic pesticides.
Consider planting in blocks rather than single rows to promote better pollination.
Weed regularly but carefully to avoid damaging the shallow root system of the corn plants.
About 21 days after the corn silk appears, it will begin to turn brown, this signals that the corn is nearly ripe.
When the kernels of sweet corn release a milky substance when pierced, they are ready to be harvested; if the substance is clear, they are not ready; if nothing comes out of the kernel, the optimum time for harvest has passed.
Firmly grip the ear and twist downward to harvest.
Ensure you do not break the plant when harvesting the first ear, or the second ear will not develop, since most corn produces two ears.
Sweet corn usually tastes sweetest if picked in the morning, since sugar content peaks at this time.
For best taste, use it the same day it is picked, otherwise store in the refrigerator for later use.
Golden Bantam Sweet Corn also freezes very well; freeze whole, shucked cobs or cut kernels off first.
