Top 5 Easiest Heirloom Corn Varieties to Grow
Want to experience the joy of growing your own delicious corn, but intimidated by the process? Heirloom corn varieties offer incredible flavor and history, and you don't need to be an expert gardener to enjoy a bountiful harvest. This guide highlights five of the easiest heirloom corn varieties perfect for beginner vegetable gardeners.
Why Choose Heirloom Corn?
Heirloom corn is more than just a tasty treat. These varieties have been passed down through generations, preserving unique flavors and traits that modern hybrids often lack. They offer a connection to the past and contribute to biodiversity in our food system. Plus, they often taste *amazing*!
The 5 Easiest Heirloom Corn Varieties
1. Golden Bantam
Type: Sweet Corn
Growing Difficulty: Very Easy
Description: Golden Bantam is a classic sweet corn variety known for its consistently sweet and tender kernels. It's reliable, produces well even in less-than-ideal conditions, and matures relatively early (around 75-80 days). It's a great choice for first-time corn growers.
Planting Tips: Plant after the last frost. Ensure soil is well-drained and fertile. Needs ample sunlight.
2. Reid's Yellow
Type: Sweet Corn
Growing Difficulty: Easy
Description: Reid’s Yellow is another dependable sweet corn variety. It is known for its robust stalks and large, sweet ears. A truly reliable variety, it adapts well to different climates and is generally productive. It takes about 85-90 days to maturity.
Planting Tips: Spacing is important for good pollination. Consider companion planting with nitrogen-fixing plants.
3. Blue Hopi
Type: Flour Corn
Growing Difficulty: Easy
Description: Blue Hopi is a stunning and resilient variety. While technically a flour corn (best used for grinding into cornmeal), it’s relatively easy to grow and boasts a beautiful blue-grey hue that turns silvery when dry. It’s drought-tolerant and a good option for areas with limited rainfall. Takes approximately 100-110 days to mature.
Planting Tips: Requires full sun. Soil should be well-drained. Can be grown in slightly drier conditions than sweet corn.
4. King Philip
Type: Flour Corn
Growing Difficulty: Easy
Description: This variety is renowned for its historical significance, traditionally grown by Native American tribes. King Philip produces beautiful purple ears that turn tan when dried. It's adaptable and relatively easy to grow, offering a taste of history. Around 95-105 days to maturity.
Planting Tips: Plant seeds a bit deeper than other corn varieties. Ensure consistent watering, especially during pollination.
5. Wapsie Valley
Type: Sweet Corn
Growing Difficulty: Easy
Description: Wapsie Valley is a classic sweet corn known for its delicious flavor and abundant yield. It's relatively early maturing (around 78-82 days), meaning you're less likely to face late-season pests or weather challenges. Provides a rewarding harvest for beginners.
Planting Tips: Requires good pollination - plant in blocks rather than long rows for better ear development.
Growing Corn Successfully
Regardless of the variety you choose, remember these key factors for successful corn growing:
- Sunlight: Corn needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Soil: Rich, well-drained soil is essential. Amend with compost or well-rotted manure.
- Watering: Consistent watering, especially during pollination, is crucial.
- Pollination: Corn is wind-pollinated. Planting in blocks helps ensure good pollination.
With a little care and attention, you’re well on your way to enjoying a delicious harvest of homegrown heirloom corn!
