Stowell's Evergreen Sweet Corn
50 Seeds
Wide ears packed with sweet white kernels
- Dates back to the mid-1800's
- Holds freshness in the field
- Wide ears are 16-18 rows around
- Sweet, white kernels
- Produces two ears per plant
MORE ABOUT STOWELL'S EVERGREEN SWEET CORN:
(Zea mays) Heirloom variety dating back to the mid-1800's produces 8" long ears packed with 16-18 rows of sweet, white kernels. Bred by Nathan Stowell of Burlington, New Jersey and aptly named for its ability to hold its freshness in the field. Plants grow to 8-10' tall, often producing two full-sized ears per stalk. Kernels don't discolor when canned, unlike many modern varieties. 95 days to harvest. 50 seeds per packet.
GROWING SWEET CORN IN THE GARDEN:
CULTURE: Corn performs best in soil that is well-drained, but also able to hold onto some moisture, as corn tends to use quite a bit of water during its active growth phase. Working in a healthy dose of well-composted manure in the fall will ensure that the rapidly growing plants receive adequate water and nutrition.
SOWING: After danger of frost has passed and soil temps have reached 55 degrees, sow seeds 9-12" apart, 1" deep, in rows 24-36" apart. To maximize pollination use a paired row or square plot configuration. Under ideal conditions, germination will occur in 7-10 days.
INSECT PESTS: Biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis can be effecting in controlling common corn pests like corn borer and earworm. Aphids, Japanese beetles, and other hard-shelled insects can be controlled with a simple homemade insecticidal soap solution.
DISEASES AND PROBLEMS: Corn is susceptible to a number of plant diseases. Consult your local extension office to learn which diseases are most prevalent in your region. Crop rotation, tillage, and removal of plant debris are all effective tools in managing common corn diseases.
HARVEST AND STORAGE: Note the date at which half the plants have produced silk. Sweet corn can generally be harvested beginning 18 days from appearance of the first silks. At peak ripeness, the silks will have begun to dry down and turn brown at the tip of the ear. Peel back the husk and check that the kernels are plump and milky. The kernels at the tip will be slightly less mature compared with those at the base so be careful not to allow the kernels to over-ripen, especially when it comes to old-fashioned varieties. Sweet corn can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
SAVING SEEDS: To maintain genetic diversity, save seed from at least 50 to 100 plants. If open-pollinated, plants should be isolated from other corn varieties by at least 1/4 mile. Otherwise, hand-pollination can be performed. Ears can be harvested once the husks have dried and the kernels have sufficiently hardened. To test for maturity, pull back the husk and remove a kernel from the ear. If the tip at the base of the kernel breaks off to reveal a brown "abscission" layer, the ears are ready to harvest.
Wide ears packed with sweet white kernels
- Dates back to the mid-1800's
- Holds freshness in the field
- Wide ears are 16-18 rows around
- Sweet, white kernels
- Produces two ears per plant
MORE ABOUT STOWELL'S EVERGREEN SWEET CORN:
(Zea mays) Heirloom variety dating back to the mid-1800's produces 8" long ears packed with 16-18 rows of sweet, white kernels. Bred by Nathan Stowell of Burlington, New Jersey and aptly named for its ability to hold its freshness in the field. Plants grow to 8-10' tall, often producing two full-sized ears per stalk. Kernels don't discolor when canned, unlike many modern varieties. 95 days to harvest. 50 seeds per packet.
GROWING SWEET CORN IN THE GARDEN:
CULTURE: Corn performs best in soil that is well-drained, but also able to hold onto some moisture, as corn tends to use quite a bit of water during its active growth phase. Working in a healthy dose of well-composted manure in the fall will ensure that the rapidly growing plants receive adequate water and nutrition.
SOWING: After danger of frost has passed and soil temps have reached 55 degrees, sow seeds 9-12" apart, 1" deep, in rows 24-36" apart. To maximize pollination use a paired row or square plot configuration. Under ideal conditions, germination will occur in 7-10 days.
INSECT PESTS: Biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis can be effecting in controlling common corn pests like corn borer and earworm. Aphids, Japanese beetles, and other hard-shelled insects can be controlled with a simple homemade insecticidal soap solution.
DISEASES AND PROBLEMS: Corn is susceptible to a number of plant diseases. Consult your local extension office to learn which diseases are most prevalent in your region. Crop rotation, tillage, and removal of plant debris are all effective tools in managing common corn diseases.
HARVEST AND STORAGE: Note the date at which half the plants have produced silk. Sweet corn can generally be harvested beginning 18 days from appearance of the first silks. At peak ripeness, the silks will have begun to dry down and turn brown at the tip of the ear. Peel back the husk and check that the kernels are plump and milky. The kernels at the tip will be slightly less mature compared with those at the base so be careful not to allow the kernels to over-ripen, especially when it comes to old-fashioned varieties. Sweet corn can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
SAVING SEEDS: To maintain genetic diversity, save seed from at least 50 to 100 plants. If open-pollinated, plants should be isolated from other corn varieties by at least 1/4 mile. Otherwise, hand-pollination can be performed. Ears can be harvested once the husks have dried and the kernels have sufficiently hardened. To test for maturity, pull back the husk and remove a kernel from the ear. If the tip at the base of the kernel breaks off to reveal a brown "abscission" layer, the ears are ready to harvest.
