Summer picnics and days by the grill just wouldn't be the same without fresh buttery sweet corn. And while you may pay a pretty penny for that luxury when buying corn at a roadside stand, in the supermarket, or at a big box store, it's actually relatively inexpensive to plant corn and grow it yourself.
Successful corn planting requires the best corn seeds, a little sun, and some water. Mother Nature takes care of most of that work, provided you've invested in high-quality seeds. Good seed is hearty, possesses good shape and color, and is quick to germinate.
What's the best corn seed for your family? That answer depends on how much land you have to work with, where you live, and your taste buds. Let's rundown the best corn seeds available so you can narrow down your choices.
Seed Needs Peaches and Cream sweet corn
A creamy yellow hybrid that's easy to grow
A favorite at picnics, this corn seed style is well suited to home gardens.
Pros:
- Grows in zones 3-11
- Non-GMO
- Quick to germinate
- Corn ready to harvest in 85 days
- Excellent choice for home gardeners
Cons:
- Produces smaller cobs than other varieties
If you have a hard time deciding between white corn or yellow corn, the hybrid Peaches & Cream variety from Seed Needs is what you want. These non-GMO corn seeds put out white and yellow densely-packed kernels bursting with flavor. This variety grows well in zones 3-11, germinates within days, and produces a crop in 80-85 days. If you're a home gardener, this is our recommendation.
Burpee Suntava purple sweet corn seeds
A sweeter sweet corn
Sweet, healthy corn that's just right for small gardens and flourishes year-round.
Pros:
- Grows in zones 1-11
- GMO-free
- Good germination
- High yield
- Grows in all seasons
Cons:
- Seeds should be soaked first
Burpee Suntava purple sweet corn seeds grow in all seasons and all zones. This deep purple corn doesn't need much room to grow, so it's a good fit for you if you have a backyard garden. Germination is quick, provided seeds are soaked first, and crop output is impressive. If you like your corn on the sweet side and want an easy-to-deal-with planting season, throw these corn seeds in your cart now.
Isla's Garden Golden X Bantom corn seeds
Traditional yellow sweet corn
A hybrid Golden Bantom variety, this sweet corn is nostalgic and delicious.
Pros:
- Wilt-resistant
- Zones 3-12
- Easy to grow
- Germinates quickly
- Hassle-free
Cons:
- Only 50 seeds
Golden Bantam is the sweet corn you likely grew up with. This hybrid Golden Bantom X from Isla's Garden is a new take on an old favorite. These seeds germinate quickly, are easy to grow, and are some of the most hassle-free corn seeds you'll ever plant. Golden Bantom X produces bright yellow, juicy corn kernels bursting with flavor.
Park Seed Silver Queen Hybrid corn seeds
A long harvest season that's worth the wait
It's slow to grow, but Silver Queen corn seeds output sweet, juicy kernels that are a favorite.
Pros:
- 8 to 9 ears per stalk
- Direct-sow in sunny soil
- 200 seeds included
- Big on flavor
- Easy germination
Cons:
- Longer grow time is required
A hybrid white corn variety, Silver Queen corn seeds from Park Seed quickly germinate but mature more slowly than other varieties. Once harvested, Silver Queen tantalizes the taste buds with plump, sweet kernels. Park Seed offers this bargain bag of 200 seeds. The seeds produce easy-to-maintain 8-foot stalks and 8 to 9-inch large ears.
Burpee Golden Bantam corn seeds
The seeds that made yellow corn famous
The first yellow sweet corn to go to market is still one of the best tasting sweetcorn hybrids available.
Pros:
- 200 seeds
- Early spring planting
- Harvests in 80 days
- Thorough planting instructions included
- Non-GMO
Cons:
- Can suffer fussy germination
The original yellow corn, Burpee-bred Golden Bantam, was first introduced in 1902. Suited for early spring planting, these seeds thrive in cold spring soils and are suitable for all zones. The Burpee corn seeds come in a 200-pack and include all growing instructions to ensure you get the best harvest.
Sow Right Seeds Strawberry Popcorn seeds
Grow your own popcorn
These seeds grow into miniature ears filled with ruby red kernels for popping.
Pros:
- Non-GMO
- Easy-to-follow grow instructions
- Each stalk produces 2 to 4 ears
- Quick germination
- Fall planting
Cons:
- A bit pricey
If you're a popcorn enthusiast, you're going to love the Sow Right Seeds Strawberry Popcorn seeds. These heirloom non-GMO seeds go in the ground in early fall and produce two to four ears per stalk 80 days later. Strawberry popcorn pops white but comes out of the ground in bright ruby red cobs. It's the most gardening fun you'll ever have.
The best corn seeds
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Putting healthy food on your table is easier than ever, especially if you grow your own. Planting and harvesting corn requires some work and a little luck, but it's mostly a foolproof endeavor. If you're a home gardener, we recommend starting with Seed Needs Peaches and Cream. You'll get 230 quick-germinating seeds that produce a crop in as little as 80 days.
If you want corn seeds that grow in all seasons and output sugary sweet corn, look to Burpee Suntava purple corn seeds. You'll get a pack of 300 seeds you can plant year-round.
When you want to get nostalgic or you're new to gardening, the best corn seeds for you are Golden X Bantom from Isla's Garden. The seeds germinate without much trouble, harvest in about 80 days, and are an easy-to-grow standby.
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