Howling Mob

Family: Poaceae Grain Vegetable

Sunlit kernels arrive in a rush—Howling Mob sweet corn fills out with a vivid, warm golden-yellow sheen and a tender, milky bite that feels almost silk-smooth.

The ears are well-filled and impressively uniform at about 7 inches, with kernels that burst with bright, sweet flavor and a clean, juicy texture. Grow Howling Mob for peak-fresh enjoyment and for showy, crowd-pleasing corn-on-the-cob moments, plus its naturally sweet character shines in salads, salsas, and creamy sauces alike.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 65 DaysHabit: Clumping

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	Jun 29th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	65
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Howling Mob’s true superpower is that tender, milky kernel—cook it fast, keep the heat high, and it stays juicy without turning chewy or starchy. It’s the kind of sweet corn that practically begs for char, lime, and a slick of butter to make the flavor taste freshly “harvested” even on a weeknight.

Best Uses

corn-on-the-cob served straight off the heat (boil/steam, then finish with salt and fat)
quick char or skillet sear for sweet-savory edges
cream-style corn or corn chowder where the milky kernels thicken the pot
fresh corn salsa where it stays juicy instead of going starchy

Flavor Profile

bright, candy-sweet corn flavor tender, milky “silk” kernel texture clean, juicy bite with minimal chew warm, buttery finish

Kitchen Pairings

lime chili powder butter cilantro cotija cheese smoked paprika

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Watch for corn earworm and fall armyworm, which chew into developing silks and bore into ears. Apply a targeted treatment when silks are just starting to brown (use a Bt-based product labeled for earworm/armyworm) and remove any heavily damaged ears to reduce larvae buildup. If you see common rust (orange pustules on leaves), improve airflow between rows and avoid overhead watering to slow spread.

How often should I water sweet corn during the main growing phase to keep ears developing well?

From about knee-high through tasseling and ear fill, keep soil evenly moist with about 1–1.5 inches of water per week, increasing to maintain moisture during hot, dry spells. Water deeply so the top 6–8 inches stay damp—shallow watering can reduce root depth and lead to poor ear fill. Stop letting the soil swing dry-to-wet; consistent moisture during silking is critical for good kernel development.

How can I tell when my sweet corn (65 days, Zea mays var. saccharata) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the ear silks have browned and dried, and about 18–24 days after the first silks appear. Kernels should be plump and release a milky fluid when pierced with a fingernail; if the liquid is watery, it needs a bit more time, and if it’s doughy, it’s likely past peak sweetness. For best flavor, pick early in the morning and refrigerate right away.