Sweet Corn
Country Gentleman Sweet Corn is an heirloom variety introduced in 1890 that remains one of the finest sweet corns ever developed. This shoe peg type produces 8-inch ears packed with sweet, milky, tender kernels arranged in a distinctive zigzag pattern rather than traditional rows. Maturing in 90 days under full sun, it's still prized commercially for canning and home gardens alike, thriving in warm soil (75-80°F) and delivering the kind of corn flavor that built this variety's enduring reputation.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-10
?in H x ?in W
Annual
High
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What sets Country Gentleman apart is its unique shoe peg kernel arrangement, kernels nestle together in a zigzag pattern rather than sitting in orderly rows, packing more tenderness and sweetness into each ear. The kernels themselves are remarkably milky and tender, qualities that made this variety so valuable to commercial canners that it's still used in that capacity today. At 8 inches per ear, the size is generous without being unwieldy, and the flavor is precisely what made this 1890 introduction a lasting success.
Country Gentleman excels as a fresh eating corn, where the tender kernels and concentrated sweetness shine when simply boiled or roasted. Its historical significance in the canning industry speaks to its versatility, the kernels hold their shape and texture through processing beautifully. Home gardeners typically enjoy it fresh off the stalk, though it also freezes well for winter use, maintaining that characteristic sweetness and milky texture.
Direct sow Country Gentleman into warm soil, sowing seeds 1-2 inches deep when soil temperature has reached at least 60°F for germination, though waiting for 75-80°F soil temperature will result in faster, more reliable sprouting. Seeds typically sprout within 7-10 days under warm conditions. Plant after your last spring frost date when soil has warmed sufficiently.
Country Gentleman reaches harvest readiness around 90 days after planting. Pick ears when the husks are fully green and tight against the ear, and the silks have turned brown and dry. A properly matured ear will feel full and firm when gently squeezed, and the kernels should be plump and tender, milky when punctured with a fingernail. Harvest in the early morning when the ears are still cool for the sweetest flavor, and use them fresh soon after picking to enjoy the peak sweetness.
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“Country Gentleman has one of the most interesting origin stories in American corn breeding. Introduced in 1890 by S.D. Woodruff & Sons, this variety emerged during a golden era of American seed development. Rather than following the conventional wisdom about corn kernel arrangement, Woodruff & Sons created something distinctly different, a shoe peg type with kernels packed in a zigzag pattern. This innovation proved so successful that the variety didn't just survive into the modern era; it thrived, becoming significant enough to remain in commercial use for canning operations today. For over 130 years, Country Gentleman has demonstrated what it means for a vegetable variety to transcend its time.”