Country Gentleman

Family: Poaceae Grain Vegetable

Sunlit kernels burst with a rich, honeyed sweetness—Country Gentleman corn turns from tender green to warm golden at peak ripeness, with a creamy, juicy bite that feels almost custard-soft.

The ears are generously filled, their rows neat and plump, making every harvest moment feel like opening a small treasure of summer color. Grow it for fresh eating at its sweetest, and for standout roasting and buttery sauces that showcase its true, mellow corn flavor.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 72 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Country Gentleman

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 6th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	72
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Country Gentleman’s kernels go from tender to golden with a creamy, almost custard softness—this is corn you eat at peak, not cooked into submission. Roast or char it hard, then let butter and a bright hit of acid (chili-lime or lemon) wake up that honeyed sweetness without muting the mellow corn flavor.

Best Uses

char-and-roast ears until kernels blister then cut for smoky corn salad
griddle or roast kernels for a spoonable skillet side with melted butter
blend for a smooth, lightly thickened corn velouté or chowder base
grill whole corn with chili-lime butter, then serve straight off the cob

Flavor Profile

honeyed sweetness creamy, custard-soft kernels mellow corn flavor with juicy bite gentle starchy richness that clings to butter

Kitchen Pairings

chili-lime butter smoked paprika garlic cilantro Parmesan

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common pest or disease problem for sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata) and how do I control it?

Watch for corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) because it targets the silks and then bores into developing ears. Apply a label-approved Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) product when silks first emerge and repeat as directed to protect the ear before larvae enter. If you see leaf disease starting, improve airflow by spacing plants as recommended and remove heavily infected leaves early to slow spread.

How often should I water Country Gentleman sweet corn during the main growing phase?

During tasseling and ear development, keep soil consistently moist—about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–3.8 cm) of water per week, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Water deeply so the moisture reaches root depth rather than frequent light sprinkling; aim for steady moisture especially when plants are silking and the kernels are forming.

How can I tell when Country Gentleman sweet corn is ready to harvest?

Harvest when silks turn brown and dry but are still attached to the ear, and kernels look full at the tip. Do the “milk stage” test: puncture a kernel—if the liquid is milky, pick it the same day for peak sweetness. Expect harvest around 72 days from planting for this variety under good conditions.