VegetableCorn
Golden Bantam 12 Corn
Golden Bantam 12 Corn stands as an improved version of the legendary original Golden Bantam variety, bringing sweet golden kernels and remarkable resilience to gardens from zones 2 through 13. This heirloom beauty matures in just 80-85 days, producing sturdy stalks that reach 8-9 feet tall with two ears per plant. Each ear stretches 5-7 inches long and boasts 10-14 rows of bright yellow kernels that stay tender longer than its predecessor. With tolerance for tight spacing and dry conditions, this classic sweet corn proves why it has remained a garden favorite for generations.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-13
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Organic Matter
Growth Stats
108 in
Height
TypeUpright
Spacing
10
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-13
Size
108in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
Moderate
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Highlights
What sets Golden Bantam 12 apart is its thoughtful improvement upon a time-tested classic. While the original 8-row Golden Bantam produced 5-7 inch ears with 8 rows of kernels, this version delivers longer 7-8 inch ears packed with 10-14 rows of more evenly spaced, broader kernels that maintain their tenderness far longer. The plants handle challenging conditions with grace, tolerating both drought and tight garden spacing while still producing two quality ears per stalk. This versatility extends to the kitchen too, where the sweet, rich-flavored kernels excel fresh off the cob, frozen right on the stalk, or transformed into silky cream corn.
Common Uses
Golden Bantam 12 excels in the kitchen with remarkable versatility that spans fresh eating straight from the garden to long-term preservation methods. The sweet, tender kernels shine when enjoyed fresh on the cob, capturing that classic sweet corn flavor that made Golden Bantam famous. These ears freeze beautifully right on the stalk for winter enjoyment, while their creamy texture makes exceptional cream corn and smooth corn soups. The variety's ability to maintain tenderness longer than typical sweet corn means a extended harvest window for fresh eating.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Sow seeds directly outdoors after the final spring frost when soil has warmed. Plant 2-3 seeds per spot in loose, organically rich, well-drained soil, spacing 10 inches apart in rows 36 inches wide.
Harvesting
Golden Bantam 12 ears are ready to harvest when they turn dark green with brown silks and plump, well-filled kernels. Test ripeness by gently squeezing a kernel to check for the telltale milk-like juice that indicates peak sweetness. To harvest, firmly grip the ear and pull it downwards while giving it a twist to separate cleanly from the stalk. The unhusked ears can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, though the sweet flavor is best when enjoyed fresh from the garden.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Zea mays
Family
Poaceae
Genus
Zea
Growth Habit
Upright
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)VI (I)CAN (I)
History & Origin
“Golden Bantam 12 Corn represents a thoughtful evolution of the original 8-row Golden Bantam corn, one of America's most beloved heirloom varieties. This improved selection maintains all the wonderful characteristics that made the original famous while enhancing the traits gardeners valued most. The breeding focused on creating longer ears with more evenly distributed kernels, better tenderness retention, and improved overall vigor, ensuring this classic variety could continue serving modern gardens while honoring its heritage as an open-pollinated, seed-saving treasure.”