Country Gentleman, Corn Seed

Country Gentleman Corn Seed

Shoepeg kernels create a uniquely irregular white ear
Milky sweetness defines this century-old heirloom
Gardeners can save seed from open-pollinated plants
Exceptional fresh flavor rewards the longer season

See product details

Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Zea mays

Days to maturity

90 Days

Sun

Full Sun

About Country Gentleman, Corn Seed, Corn Seed

The Country Gentleman corn is one of the best tasting open-pollinated corns available! This heirloom variety is a sweet, delicious corn with milky kernels that was first introduced over 100 years ago. Country Gentleman is a white variety with 8” ears. Its ears have no rows, as this is a shoepeg type, and its kernels are packed in a zigzag pattern. Country Gentleman is one of the best heirloom sweet corns in our opinion!

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

Days to Germination

4–10 days

In-row plant spacing

8-12"

Row Spacing

Plant profile

Maturity

Summer

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

72 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Type

OLD FASHION CORN

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

106

Color

White

Seed Type

Heirloom

Growing Season

Warm-Season Crop

Before Planting

Corn benefits from a full-sun, warm site with fertile, well-drained soil and good air circulation. Incorporate compost and adjust nutrients and pH according to a soil test, avoiding excessive nitrogen. Wait until frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed; harden transplants and install supports before planting when the crop requires them.

Planting

Direct sow corn after frost danger has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 60°F, or about 65°F for supersweet types. Plant in several short adjacent rows rather than one long row to improve wind pollination. Keep the seedbed evenly moist through emergence. Space plants 8–12 inches apart in rows about 30–36 inches apart.

Watering

Provide about 1–1½ inches of water weekly, increasing during hot weather. Consistent moisture is most important during tasseling, silking, and ear filling; water deeply at soil level.

Fertilizer

Side-dress corn with nitrogen when plants begin rapid growth and again if soil tests or leaf color indicate need. Avoid placing concentrated fertilizer against stems or roots.

Harvesting

Harvest sweet corn when silks are brown, husks remain green, and punctured kernels release milky juice. Twist ears downward to remove them and cool promptly. Leave dry or ornamental corn until kernels harden and husks dry.

Tips

Plant corn in blocks rather than a single long row for better wind pollination. Separate varieties with different maturity dates or adequate distance when cross-pollination could affect eating quality.

AVG. Seeding Rate

1M/500', 5M/2,500', 25M/12,500', 30M/acre at 2 seeds/ft. in rows 36" apart.

Pests & Diseases

Northern leaf blight, gray leaf spot, common rust, smut, and ear rots are major corn diseases. Choose resistant hybrids and rotate or bury infected residue. Remove smut galls before they rupture. Moldy ears may contain mycotoxins; discard them rather than feeding or saving affected grain.

Corn earworms, European corn borers, armyworms, cutworms, wireworms, and birds are common. Monitor silks and whorls, use appropriate biological controls, rotate fields, and protect ripening ears when necessary.