Hawaiian Rainbow

Family: Poaceae Grain Vegetable

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Hawaiian Rainbow to a garden.

Feel the first silk-bright glow as the ears emerge—Hawaiian Rainbow corn develops striking, multicolored kernels that shimmer like stained glass in the garden.

The kernels are firm and pleasantly crisp, with a vivid spectrum that makes each ear a living centerpiece. Grow it for ornamental impact in beds and borders, and for show-stopping displays of color that shine at harvest and beyond.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Hawaiian Rainbow

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Hawaiian Rainbow Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a	Direct Sow	May 25th	Aug 8th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 29th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 29th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Direct Sow	May 19th	Aug 2nd – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 29th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Direct Sow	May 13th	Jul 27th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Direct Sow	May 8th	Jul 22nd – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Direct Sow	May 4th	Jul 18th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Direct Sow	May 1st	Jul 15th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Direct Sow	Apr 25th	Jul 9th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Direct Sow	Apr 20th	Jul 4th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Direct Sow	Apr 10th	Jun 24th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Direct Sow	Apr 1st	Jun 15th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Direct Sow	Mar 23rd	Jun 6th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Direct Sow	Mar 6th	May 20th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Direct Sow	Feb 9th	Apr 25th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	55
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Even though it’s grown for its stained-glass look, the kernels still taste like real sweet corn—crisp, juicy, and clean. Grill or quick-sauté it and keep the heat brief; this variety’s texture stays snappy instead of going pasty.

Best Uses

serve as street-corn style grilled skewers (charred outside, crisp inside)
quick blanch-and-sauté in butter with a squeeze of lime
use shaved kernels in cold salads for a crunchy, color-holding texture
steam and slice off the cob for tacos or grain bowls

Flavor Profile

sweet, corn-forward freshness snappy, juicy kernel bite lightly starchy, clean finish

Kitchen Pairings

lime smoked paprika chile-lime crema butter cotija cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem is most common on sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata) and how do I treat it?

Corn earworm and fall armyworm are common on sweet corn, with larvae boring into developing ears. Inspect weekly once silks appear, then apply a labeled Bt product (Bacillus thuringiensis) aimed at corn caterpillars as soon as you see fresh feeding or early frass. If you notice smut galls (black, swollen kernels) on ears, remove and discard the affected parts promptly to reduce spread to nearby plants.

How often should I water sweet corn during the main growing phase (after tassel and ear formation)?

During tassel-to-ear-filling, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, aiming for about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week depending on heat and rainfall. Water deeply 1–2 times per week so the moisture reaches deeper roots; shallow daily watering often leaves corn drought-stressed at ear depth. Mulch lightly around plants to reduce surface drying, and increase watering if leaves start to fold or turn dull-gray.

How can I tell when Hawaiian Rainbow sweet corn is ready to harvest?

Harvest about 20–25 days after the silks first emerge and when the tassels have begun to dry. Kernels should feel plump and release a milky, whitish liquid when pressed with a fingernail; if the liquid is watery or clear, leave it a few more days. Pick in the morning for the sweetest flavor, and harvest every day or two as ears ripen quickly.