Country Gentleman Corn Seeds

Country Gentleman is an heirloom corn that was developed in the United States during the late 1800s. By the early 1900s, Country Gentleman corn was commonly grown in home gardens and on small farms, appreciated for its sweet taste and good canning capabilities. Although its origin is not well documented, Country Gentleman corn is most likely a cross between ‘’Early White’’ and ‘’White Flint.’’ This type of corn has been a staple crop for Native American tribes for thousands of years. With the increase in mechanization of agriculture, crops like Country Gentleman were discarded for more disease-resistant hybrids with higher yields that can be harvested by machines. Country Gentleman is a time-tested heirloom variety that remains popular amongst home gardeners and corn connoisseurs.

Country Gentleman corn grows to about 6-8 feet tall and generally bears two to three cobs per plant but can produce up to six in the perfect conditions. The large, plump and juicy cream white kernels are aligned in uneven rows on medium-thick cobs. It is important to pick the corn when it is fully mature, when the husk has turned brown and the kernels produce a milky substance. Country Gentleman is one of the sweetest open-pollinated corns you can find, and its interesting appearance and flavour make it a memorable crop to cultivate.

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

It just wouldn’t be summer without enjoying fresh corn on the cob as often as possible. On top of being a beloved symbol of summer, corn can be popped, fashioned into festive decorations or used as animal feed.

It is advantageous to plant corn early because of its need for a long growing season. But, it will not fare well by being started indoors, transplanted or sown into cold soil. Wait until 2 weeks after the last frost to sow seed outdoors or when soil temperatures reach at least 16°C. Plant seeds 2 cm deep, 15 cm apart in rows 75-90 cm apart and water well.

Corn is a very heavy feeder of nutrients and water. If possible, plan ahead the fall prior and prepare the bed by mixing in a hefty amount of compost.

When plants reach 8-10 cm tall, thin them out to a distance of 20-30 cm. Corn has shallow roots, so mulch, weed carefully and water well.

About 2 cm of water/week should suffice. Give more in times of excessive heat or drought. An application of high-nitrogen fertilizer a couple times throughout the season will appreciably accelerate growth.

It is dependent on variety, but corn may take up to 100 days to mature. Warmer air will ripen ears faster. Pay attention to the tips of the ears, they will become more rounded when it’s time to pick. Other good indications of readiness are milky kernels and browning silk. When they reach this point, do not wait to harvest. Pull down on the ears and twist to remove from the stalk. If it is corn you plan on eating, prepare it immediately for consumption or preservation.

QUICK FACTS

- Corn is a cereal grain first domesticated in southern Mexico about 10,000 years ago. Imported into Europe by the navigator Christopher Columbus, corn quickly became a staple food in many parts of the world.

- To prevent cross-pollination from altering crop, plant at least 100 meters from other corn varieties or stagger planting by 20 days. Plant in blocks of at least four rows for proper pollination. 

- Corn seeds will remain viable for 2 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.