Corn Sweet Country Gentleman, introduced in 1890, is a classic heirloom variety known for its exceptional flavor and unique kernel arrangement. This beloved white sweet corn produces 8-inch-long ears on very tall stalks, with kernels arranged in a distinctive zigzag “shoepeg” pattern rather than traditional rows — a hallmark characteristic that sets it apart from every other sweet corn. Renowned for its sweetness and tenderness, Country Gentleman kernels also freeze exceptionally well, making it an outstanding choice for enjoying fresh corn flavor throughout the winter months. Plants mature in approximately 90 days.

Germination Rate: 96%. Test Date: 3/25. TLM.

Texas Minimum Germination Rate: 75%.

Why Choose Country Gentleman Sweet Corn?

• Iconic Zigzag Kernel Pattern: The distinctive “shoepeg” arrangement — kernels packed in irregular zigzag rows rather than straight rows — is unlike any other sweet corn variety and a true conversation piece at harvest.
• Exceptional Sweetness & Tenderness: Over 135 years of heirloom selection has refined Country Gentleman into one of the sweetest, most tender white sweet corns ever grown.
• Outstanding for Freezing: Kernels retain their sweet flavor and tender texture beautifully after blanching and freezing — ideal for enjoying summer sweetness all winter long.
• 8-Inch Ears on Tall Stalks: Impressive, full ears with excellent fill — rewarding harvests from every plant.
• Living Agricultural History: Introduced in 1890 — one of the most historically significant sweet corn heirlooms still in cultivation.
• Heirloom & Open-Pollinated: Passed down through generations — save seeds year after year for a self-sustaining garden.
• Non-GMO Seeds: Plants whose DNA has not been altered in ways that do not occur naturally through traditional breeding methods.

Planting Tips for Success

• Sunlight: Requires full sun — at least 6 to 8 hours per day — for best ear development and sweetness.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8. Amend with compost before planting.
• Planting: Direct sow outdoors after last frost when soil temps reach 60°F. Plant seeds 1–2 inches deep.
• Spacing: Space seeds 4–6 inches apart in rows 30–36 inches wide. Thin to 10–12 inches apart. Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows for good pollination.
• Isolation: Isolate from other corn varieties by at least 250 feet or stagger planting dates to prevent cross-pollination and protect flavor quality.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist — about 1 to 1.5 inches per week. Especially important during tasseling and ear fill.
• Fertilizing: Heavy feeder — apply balanced fertilizer at planting, then side-dress with nitrogen when plants reach knee height and again at tasseling.
• Harvesting: Ready in approximately 90 days. Harvest when silks are brown and dry and kernels are plump and milky when punctured. Eat fresh or freeze within 1–2 days for peak sweetness.

Why Choose David's Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: Supplying premium seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
• Integrity Pledge: David's Garden Seeds has taken the Seed Integrity Pledge.
• Vegetable Seed License: David's Garden Seeds has been granted a Vegetable Seed License for the State of Texas.

Cooking Methods

• Fresh on the Cob: Boil or steam ears for 4–6 minutes and serve with butter and salt — Country Gentleman's exceptional sweetness shines brightest when eaten fresh.
• Grilling: Grill ears in husks over medium heat for 15–20 minutes for smoky-sweet caramelized kernels.
• Freezing: Blanch ears 4 minutes, cool in ice water, cut zigzag kernels from cob, and freeze flat in airtight bags for up to 12 months — excellent freeze quality.
• Creamed Corn: The tender, irregular shoepeg kernels cut beautifully from the cob and cook down into exceptionally rich, sweet creamed corn.
• Corn Chowder: Add fresh or frozen Country Gentleman kernels to cream-based chowder with potatoes and bacon for a naturally sweet, hearty soup.
• Corn Salad: Toss fresh-cut kernels with tomatoes, basil, red onion, and olive oil for a classic summer salad showcasing the corn's natural sweetness.

Order Country Gentleman Sweet Corn Seeds Today

Order yours today and grow your own classic Country Gentleman sweet corn in your spring and fall gardens.

Nutritional Information

(Applies to harvested sweet corn kernels, not seeds. Per 1 medium ear / approx. 90g cooked white sweet corn.)

• Calories: 99
• Total Fat: 1.5g
• Sodium: 15mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 21g
• Dietary Fiber: 2.4g
• Total Sugars: 6.8g
• Protein: 3.5g
• Vitamin C: 6.2mg (7% Daily Value)
• Folate: 36mcg (9% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 270mg (6% Daily Value)

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Heirloom varieties may exhibit natural variation in ear size, kernel fill, and maturation. Results may vary based on growing conditions, climate, and gardening practices.
• Isolation Note: Isolate from other corn varieties by at least 250 feet or stagger planting dates to prevent cross-pollination that can affect kernel quality and flavor.
• Harvest Timing: Sweet corn is best harvested promptly at peak milk stage and eaten or frozen within 1–2 days for optimal sweetness. Sugar converts to starch quickly after harvest.
• Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration in an airtight container extends viability. Properly stored corn seeds remain viable for 2–3 years.
• Planting Zones: Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 3–10. Consult your local extension service for zone-specific planting guidance.

Grow something beautiful. Grow something delicious. Grow with David's Garden Seeds®.