Stowell's Evergreen Sweet Corn Seeds

Stowell's Evergreen Sweet Corn grows tall, handsome stalks bearing generous ears of creamy white kernels with tender texture and old-fashioned sweet-corn flavor. This open-pollinated heirloom is a rewarding choice for gardeners who want fresh summer corn and a variety they can preserve through careful seed saving.

History

Developed by Nathan Stowell of Burlington, New Jersey, and introduced in the mid-1800s, Stowell's Evergreen became a enduring favorite among American gardeners. Its name reflects its reputation for holding eating quality longer than many early sweet-corn varieties, not for remaining green year-round. It remains treasured for substantial white ears and rich, traditional corn flavor.

Plant Profile

• Days to Maturity: Approximately 90–100 days from direct sowing, depending on conditions.
• Ear Size: Typically 8–9 inches long with creamy white kernels.
• Plant Size: About 7–8 feet tall.
• Plant Type: Open-pollinated heirloom sweet corn; warm-season annual.

Flavor Profile

Expect tender white kernels with balanced sweetness and a full, creamy corn flavor. This is traditional sweet corn rather than a modern supersweet type, so cooking promptly after picking makes a real difference.

When to Plant

Direct sow after your last spring frost once soil reaches at least 60°F, preferably 65–75°F. Corn performs best when started where it will grow; avoid sowing into cold, wet ground. Choose a planting window that allows roughly 100 warm, frost-free days. Check your location on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, and use local frost dates to fine-tune timing.

Growing Tips & Planting Dimensions

• Sow 1 inch deep in moist, well-drained soil; up to 1½ inches in lighter soil that dries quickly.
• Space plants 10–12 inches apart, with rows 30–36 inches apart.
• Plant a block of at least four short rows rather than one long row. Corn is wind-pollinated, and fuller blocks improve kernel set.
• Small packs can start a trial planting, but a larger block is more reliable for a substantial harvest. Hand-pollination can help a small planting.
• Give plants full sun, fertile soil, and consistent moisture, especially during tasseling and silking. Provide about 1 inch of water weekly, adjusting for rain and heat.
• Expect emergence in about 7–14 days in warm soil. Feed according to soil-test recommendations; corn is a heavy feeder.
• Keep weeds controlled while young, water at soil level, and rotate the planting area between seasons.
• Other corn flowering nearby can affect eating quality and saved-seed purity. Separate varieties by flowering time or use an appropriate isolation plan.

🌱 Easy Sow Germination 🌱

Bury it, water it, get out of the way. For corn, warm soil and steady moisture are the keys.

1. Start with the right foundation. Choose a sunny outdoor bed with loose, fertile, well-drained soil. Direct sow rather than starting a crowded tray.
2. Sow at the right depth. Plant seeds about 1 inch deep, or up to 1½ inches in light soil. Arrange the planting in a block for better pollination later.
3. Water gently and thoroughly. Moisten the seed zone without flooding it. Keep it consistently damp, never waterlogged, while seeds sprout.
4. Warmth is your friend. Wait for soil of at least 60°F; 65–75°F gives a more dependable start. Cold, soggy soil can cause seeds to rot.
5. Protect the planting. Check for birds digging up seeds or pulling young shoots. If needed, use a securely supported garden mesh cover until seedlings are established.
6. Give them time. Look for seedlings in roughly 7–14 days, allowing longer in cooler conditions. Keep moisture steady rather than repeatedly soaking the bed.
7. Thin without disturbing neighbors. If you sowed extra seeds, snip weaker seedlings at soil level, leaving sturdy plants about 10–12 inches apart.

Growth Type & Harvest Yields

Stowell's Evergreen grows as a tall, upright grass with tassels at the top and silk-bearing ears along the stalk. Expect roughly one to two usable ears per healthy plant, depending on fertility, water, spacing, and pollination. This annual finishes its harvest in a relatively concentrated window; staggered planting dates can extend your season where summer is long enough.

Knowing When to Harvest

Look for brown, drying silks while the husks remain green and the ears feel full. Peel back a small section: kernels should be plump and release milky juice when pressed. Clear juice means they need more time; thick, doughy contents mean they are past their most tender stage. Check daily as harvest approaches, twist ears downward to pick, and cook as soon as practical. Refrigerate unhusked ears promptly for short-term storage, or blanch and freeze for longer keeping.

Companion Plants & Mutual Benefits

• Bush beans: Add diversity near the block without climbing and loading the corn stalks; leave enough room for light and harvesting.
• Squash: Broad leaves can shade nearby soil and suppress weeds once established; keep vigorous vines from overwhelming young corn.
• Sunflowers: At the garden edge, they offer flowers for pollinators and beneficial insects. Position them where they will not shade the corn.
• Dill: Flowering plants nearby provide food for beneficial insects without needing to occupy the corn's root zone.
• Marigolds: Border plantings add floral diversity and help define paths; keep them outside the crowded corn block.

How to Enjoy

• Steam or briefly boil freshly picked ears and serve with butter.
• Grill in the husk for a smoky summer side.
• Slice kernels into chowders and creamy soups.
• Make fresh-corn fritters or skillet corn with herbs.
• Blanch and freeze kernels for a taste of summer later.

Order Today

Grow a piece of American garden history with Stowell's Evergreen Sweet Corn. Choose your seeds, plan a sunny planting block, and let our step-by-step guidance help you bring classic white sweet corn to your table.