Rainbow Corn
75d to harvest
Sunlit kernels in a living spectrum—creamy gold, rosy blush, and cool blue-green—glow along each Rainbow Corn ear with a satin sheen that feels almost too beautiful to touch. At maturity, the cobs are medium to long with tightly packed rows, offering a tender, sweet corn flavor that shines in fresh displays and becomes especially memorable when roasted or grilled for caramelized depth. Grow it for show-stopping color in the garden and for versatile use in salads, salsas, and vibrant pickling projects—each harvest a small bouquet of edible color.
Crop Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | Direct Sow |
| Last Frost | May 15th |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | May 15th |
| Harvest Begins | Jul 29th |
| Harvest Ends | Sep 24th |
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 |
Recommended Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
What pests or diseases commonly hit sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata), and what can I do right away?
Corn earworm and fall armyworm are common and usually show up as holes in ear tips with frass. Check ears every 2–3 days once silks emerge and remove heavily infested ears early; for protection, use a Bt corn spray when silks are actively growing (follow the label) and keep weeds down around the bed. Watch for fungal leaf blights and rust; if you see spreading leaf spotting, improve airflow by thinning to the recommended spacing and avoid overhead watering.
How can I tell when rainbow sweet corn is ready to harvest?
Harvest when silks turn brown and dry, and kernels release a milky juice when you press them—this is the best sweet-corn indicator. Each ear is usually ready about 18–22 days after the first silks appear, but check the earliest-developed ears first. For peak sweetness, plan to harvest the same day you’ll eat or refrigerate immediately after picking.