Grow a few rows of the deliciously sweet, Peaches and Cream Corn, from freshly harvested Zea mays seeds. Peaches and Cream Corn is a hybrid variety that produces delicious, 8 & 1/2 inch ears. Each ear is populated with roughly 20 rows of tightly packed kernels, ranging in color from creamy yellow to golden yellow. The plants themselves are known to grow to a towering height of roughly 6 feet tall and can spread roughly 18 inches wide. Peaches and Cream is among one of our best sellers and is sought after for its rich, sweet flavoring. The crops are ready for harvesting in roughly 80 to 85 days.
Grown as an annual crop, Peaches and Cream Corn will grow quickly from freshly harvested Zea mays seeds. The plants will produce their crops through the summer months and can be cut down afterwards. Check below for additional information on harvesting your Peaches and Cream Corn.
Interestingly enough, corn was never meant to thrive, let alone exist naturally in the world as we know it. It is a crop that can only survive and flourish, if protected by humans. Corn was believed to have been developed by humans in Mexico, over 7,000 years ago. It’s distant relative is actually a wild grass, called “teosinte.” The kernels of this distant relative were fairly spaced apart, but as humans bred corn through the years, we were able to produce the cobs, filled with tightly packed kernels, as seen in today’s markets.
What are hybrids?
First and foremost, you should know that a hybrid is completely different than a GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)
Hybrids are created when cross pollinating two vegetables of the same plant species. This process is completely natural and can be accomplished over many years. For instance, a bi-colored corn could be a cross between two separate corn varieties, one in which produces lighter yellow kernels and the other which produces golden yellow kernels. Other factors that breeders take into consideration is resistance to disease, flavor, days until harvest, etc.
Sowing The Seed
Corn isn’t fond of being transplanted, so it is best sown directly in the garden, when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Begin by tilling the sowing area, removing all unwanted plant life and weeds. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/2” to 1” under topsoil. Check below for spacing.
Growing Conditions
Corn is a sun loving crop that prefers warmer temperatures of 65F or higher. The plants are picky when it comes to soil conditions, and will grow best in a medium that is nitrogen rich and loamy. You will also need to make sure that the sowing area is well drained. To improve drainage, we always recommend adding a light compost to any areas containing hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily until germination.
Germination & Growth
Corn will typically take anywhere between 7 to 14 days to germinate, if optimal conditions are met. The plants can grow to a towering, 6 feet tall and can spread about 18 inches wide. Corn can be spaced 12 to 15 inches apart from one another, in rows that are spaced about 30 to 36 inches apart.
Harvesting Corn
Corn is easily harvested and enjoyed fresh. It can also be stored for a period of time for later use. Corn is usually ready to be harvested 20 days after the silk first appears. Once the silk has turned brown, and the husks are still green, you can go ahead and check a single ear. Uncover the kernels and puncture a single kernel. Go ahead and give it a taste test for sweetness, also checking for a milky inside. If it tastes good, you can get to harvesting.