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Sweet Corn

Just after the first ripe tomato of the season, there is nothing to excite the home gardener more than having the first ripe ear of corn! Sweet corn has come a long way since I owned “R.H. Shumway Seedsman” in the 1980s and 1990s. Then the latest and sweetest corns were the “Super Sweet (sh2) Hybrids”, the familiar shrunken-kernel varieties that revolutionized the sweet-corn industry, although requiring isolation from other sweet corns. Although “Super Sweets” were the sweetest, back then the “Normal (su) Types” like “Silver Queen” and the “Sugary Enhanced (se) Types” like “Kandy Korn” were at the zenith of their popularity.

Today, though, with the advent of the “Synergistic (syn) Types”, sweet-corn sweetness and flavor have reached another level. The Synergistic’s ear consists of 75% se kernels and 25% sh2 kernels (like “Illini Xtra-Sweet”) to offer the remarkable tenderness and flavor of the se types, but with the added sweetness, longer shelf life and field-holding ability of the Super Sweets (sh2).

This year we are proud to introduce, exclusively, the first “Synergistic Enhanced (syn+)” variety. Called “Primus”, with 40% Super Sweet kernels and 60% sugary enhanced kernels, this higher level of Super Sweet kernels offers an extra pop of sweetness not enjoyed by any other Synergistic, giving “Primus” the highest sugar content of any sweet corn today. For awesome corn flavor combined with superior eating quality and the highest sugar content ever, try new “Primus”!

Culture & Seed Count

Corn will not germinate with a soil temperature below 65°F! Sow seed in a sunny location after all danger of frost when soil is over 65°F. Sow about 1-in. deep and 5-in. apart in rows 30-36 in. apart. Thin to one plant every 10 to 12 in. when plants are 4-in. tall. Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows for proper pollination. Extend the season by successively sowing or by growing varieties of differing maturities. Packets contain at least 125 seeds (100 seeds for Super Sweets and Synergistics) unless noted otherwise and plant 40 to 60 ft. of row.

Learn more about the types of sweet corn here.

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  • Bulk: Golden Bantam (yellow) Corn Seeds

    from $11.50

    For single packets, click here An old heirloom originally introduced in 1902 that remains the favorite of many. Robust stalks yield uniform ears fi...

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    from $11.50

  • Bulk: Primus (bicolor syn+) Corn Seeds

    from $17.25

    For single packets, click here The highest sugar content of any sweet corn today, due to its 40% Super Sweet (sh2) and 60% sugary enhanced kernels ...

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    from $17.25

  • Bulk: Northern Xtra-Sweet Corn Seeds

    from $18.75

    For single packets, click here This seed is treated with Vibrance Cinco (VC). Vibrance Cinco is a fungicide blend that protects corn against Pythiu...

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    from $18.75

  • Bulk: Trinity (bicolor se+) Corn Seeds

    from $16.25

    For single packet-size, click here Our earliest SE type, with exquisite sugar-sweet flavor in its tender, creamy kernels. Large ears are well-fille...

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    from $16.25

  • Bulk: Delectable RM Corn Seeds

    from $16.25

    For single packets, click here Main season. The latest corn breeding produces large ears with 16 to 20 rows of small, succulent, gold and white ker...

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    from $16.25

  • Bulk: Golden Jubilee Hybrid (yellow) Corn Seeds

    from $16.75

    For single packets, click here Perhaps the most popular yellow for market gardeners, particularly commercial canners. Widely adaptable, producing ...

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    from $16.75

  • Bulk: Japanese White Hulless Corn Seeds

    from $9.75

    For single packets, click here Medium-sized white kernels pop up big, fluffy, tender and pure white. No hulls and no hard centers. Strong stalks pr...

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    from $9.75

  • Bulk: Illini Xtra-Sweet Corn Seeds

    from $17.25

    For single packets, click here Best selling Super Sweet variety! Has 45% sugar content at harvest and 40% content 48 hours later, ensuring lots of ...

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    from $17.25
  • Sold out

    Bulk: Sugar Buns Corn Seeds

    from $16.25

    For single packet-size, click here The longest harvest period of any early sweet corn. Sugar-sweet kernels maintain their sweetness and tenderness ...

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    from $16.25
    Sold out

  • Bulk: Purdue 410 Hybrid (yellow) Corn Seeds

    from $13.25

    For single packets, click here Largest of our popcorns, with huge, tender kernels of a rich buttery yellow. Nearly hulless. Robust stalks sport lon...

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    from $13.25

  • Bulk: Temptation Hybrid Sweet Corn Seeds (bicolor se)

    from $20.50

    SKU: 157 For single packets, click here 72 days. Surrender to this satisfying delight, beguiling your taste buds with a tender, toothy bite. Mesmer...

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    from $20.50

  • Bulk: Early Sunglow Hybrid (yellow) Corn Seeds

    from $16.25

    For single packets, click here Our earliest “Normal” corn by 2 weeks is very resistant to cold and frost. Well-filled ears with 12 rows of sweet y...

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    from $16.25

  • Bulk: Calico Indian Corn Seeds

    from $12.75

    For single packets, click here Highly decorative heirloom variety with kernels in shades of red, yellow, orange, blue, white and purple. Ears make...

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    from $12.75

  • Bulk: Strawberry (dark red) Corn Seeds

    from $10.25

    For single-packet size, click here Tiny mahogany-colored, strawberry-shaped ears are ideal when first used for fall decorations and later for poppi...

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    from $10.25