Silver King

Family: Poaceae Grain Vegetable

Sweet corn at its peak is a silken hush of pale kernels—Silver King delivers crisp, juicy sweetness with a creamy, milk-bright bite.

The ears form in tidy, uniform rows, their white kernels plump and tender, ideal for turning into golden spoonfuls of summer flavor and for preserving that just-picked character in sauces and relishes. Grow Silver King for a dependable 75-day rhythm and a harvest that feels as luminous as it tastes.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Upright

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 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Silver King’s hallmark is that milk-bright sweetness paired with a kernel that keeps its snap—so it shines where corn stays the star, not where it has to disappear into starch. Treat it gently (fast heat, minimal overcooking) and it turns buttery, creamy, and clean in the mouth.

Best Uses

shuck-and-eat with butter and flaky salt (kernels stay snappy, not starchy)
quick sauté or grill finish for char-kissed sweetness
cream-style corn: simmer down until glossy and spoonable
fresh corn relishes and preserves that hold that just-picked juiciness

Flavor Profile

crisp, milky sweetness juicy, tender kernel texture creamy bite with a bright corn-silk finish

Kitchen Pairings

butter lime cilantro smoked paprika chile-lime crema queso fresco

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most likely to hit Zea mays (sweet corn) “Silver King,” and how can I manage it?

Watch closely for corn earworm and fall armyworm, which chew into developing ears and leave frass. At the first signs, apply BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) and/or use an earworm-focused spray according to the label, targeting when silks first emerge and again 3–5 days later. Keep the area weeded and remove damaged ears promptly to reduce repeat damage.

How often should I water sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata) during the main growth phase?

During tasseling and ear development, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week total, adjusting for rain and heat. Water deeply when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil dries, since uneven moisture can cause poor ear fill. Avoid frequent shallow watering that keeps roots near the surface and increases drought stress.

How do I tell when “Silver King” sweet corn is ready to harvest?

Harvest when silks are dark brown and dry, but before the kernels fully toughen—typically around 75 days from sowing. Do a “milk test”: press a kernel—if it releases milky fluid and the kernels are plump from tip to base, pick immediately. Corn sweetens quickly after picking, so harvest in the morning for best flavor and eat or refrigerate promptly.