Country Gentleman Corn (Heirloom 90 Days)
Heirloom 1890
According to the 1936 James Vicks catalog in reference to the Country Gentleman Corn: “Of all the white varieties this is surely the sweetest and most delicious corn to eat and it remains in an edible condition longer than any other variety after picking retaining its sweet flavor for a long time. Plants are 6-7 feet tall often bearing 3 ears to a stalk. The cob is unusually small and is covered with long, slender, shoe-peg like grains irregularly set.
150 seeds
PLANTING
Zea mays
Germination: 7-14 days
Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 60-85ºF. Planting in soil under 60ºF results in poor germination.
Seed Sowing Depth: 1” deep
Sowing Outdoors: In late spring , after the last frost date , when soil reaches at least 60ºF. Sow 4-6” apart, thin to 10-12” apart. Plant in blocks, 4-5 rows, 24-36” apart to aid with pollination. Corn is pollinated by wind therefore planting in blocks ensures proper pollination rather than one long single row where the pollen can easily blow away resulting in small, poorly filled out ears.
How much does a packet plant: 15-20 foot single row, block of 4 rows at 4 foot.
Harvest: Ready for picking 2 1/2 - 3 weeks after silks appear. Silks become dry and brown. The kernels should be plump and full. Test by pressing your fingertip into a kernel, looking for a "milky" appearance. Best picked in the morning and refrigerate/cool right away.
Harvest Dent or Ornamental Corn: When husks become dried or after one or two frost.
Harvest Popcorn: When ears are mature, kernels appear shiny and are hard. Remove the husk and let the ears dry for a few weeks. Test pop kernels after a few weeks to see if they are dry enough. Store popcorn by removing kernels or leave them on the ears.
Tips: Country Gentleman Corn needs an abundance of nitrogen. Add manure (in the fall) or rich compost a few weeks before planting. Add a high-nitrogen organic fertilizer every few weeks until tassels form. Keep well weeded, especially when they are seedlings and well watered, 1 inch a week especially during the silk stage.