Bodacious Corn is a hybrid variety bred for vigor and reliable production across a wide range of climates, thriving in hardiness zones 2 through 13. This annual reaches a compact 12 to 15 inches tall, making it surprisingly manageable in garden spaces while still delivering the classic corn-growing experience. Maturing in 80 to 90 days from direct seeding, Bodacious produces full, milky kernels ready for harvest by midsummer in most regions. Its disease resistance to Anthracnose, Bacterial Wilt, Downy Mildew, Fusarium Wilt, and Powdery Mildew makes it a dependable choice for gardeners dealing with common corn ailments.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-13
15in H x ?in W
—
High
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Bodacious stands out as a genuinely cold-hardy corn hybrid, performing reliably from the coldest northern gardens through subtropical climates. The compact plant size defies typical corn expectations, fitting comfortably into smaller beds and containers without sacrificing harvest. This variety combines early maturity with strong disease resistance, eliminating much of the frustration that comes with growing corn in humid or unpredictable seasons. Its hybrid vigor ensures consistent kernel development and predictable timing, a real advantage for succession planting and meal planning.
As a fresh-eating corn, Bodacious kernels are harvested at their peak milky stage and best enjoyed cooked within hours of picking, boiled, grilled on the cob, or stripped and added to summer salads and grain bowls. The compact plant size also makes this variety suitable for gardeners experimenting with intensive spacing or container growing, expanding corn beyond traditional field-scale production.
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Start seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before your desired transplant date. Handle seedlings carefully to avoid damaging roots, and prevent them from becoming root bound before they go into the garden. This early start bypasses the need to wait for soil to warm, particularly valuable in colder zones.
Transplant seedlings once they reach 4 to 5 inches tall and after your region's last frost date has passed. Space transplants 4 inches apart in rows 24 inches apart, setting them at the same depth they grew indoors.
For direct sowing, create furrows 6 to 8 inches deep. Spread 3 to 5 pounds of balanced complete fertilizer per 100 square feet of bed, then backfill the furrow with soil or sifted compost and sow seeds directly. Cover seeds with soil and keep the bed consistently moist until germination.
Bodacious corn reaches peak quality 80 to 90 days after direct seeding. Harvest when kernels are full and milky, squeeze a kernel gently and look for liquid rather than starch. The ear silks will dry and brown as maturity approaches, and the ear tip will appear blunt or rounded rather than pointed. Check ears frequently during the harvest window, ideally daily if temperatures are above 85°F, as flavor degrades quickly in heat. Remove ears by pulling downward and twisting sharply to break the stem, then cool them as rapidly as possible in ice water or refrigeration.
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