Best Corn for Heirloom
12 corn varieties well-suited for heirloom varieties. Open-pollinated heritage cultivars with unique flavor.
Ashworth
A remarkable cold-tolerant heirloom sweet corn specifically bred for northern gardens and short growing seasons. This hardy variety can germinate in cooler soils and tolerate light frosts, making it possible to grow sweet corn in challenging climates where other varieties fail. The compact plants produce flavorful ears with excellent eating quality despite the shorter season requirements.
Butter and Sugar
This beloved bicolor variety creates a stunning visual display with alternating yellow and white kernels on each ear. Known for its exceptional sweetness and tender texture, Butter and Sugar combines the best qualities of both yellow and white corn varieties. Perfect for gardeners who want both beauty and flavor in their sweet corn harvest.
Country Gentleman
This unique heirloom variety produces ears with an irregular 'shoe peg' kernel arrangement rather than traditional rows, creating maximum sweetness in every bite. Dating back to the 1890s, Country Gentleman offers old-fashioned corn flavor with tender, cream-colored kernels that are perfect for cutting off the cob. A conversation starter that delivers both novelty and exceptional taste.
Glass Gem
A distinctive presentation in fall displays, the glassy-looking kernels are unique to this variety. Kernels can be popped, but results may vary. Sturdy plants can reach 10' tall. Avg. ear size 6-8". Requires a fairly long growing season for favorable yields. Bred by the late Carl Barnes, an Oklahoma Cherokee who dedicated his career to reclaiming and preserving seed of traditional Native American corns.
Golden Bantam
A true heirloom classic that's been delighting gardeners since 1902, Golden Bantam is the corn variety that set the standard for sweet corn flavor. This compact variety produces tender, golden kernels with an intense, old-fashioned corn taste that modern hybrids try to emulate. Perfect for small gardens and those who want to grow a piece of American agricultural history.
Mixed Broom Corn
An appealing mix of brightly colored seed heads for an attractive fall display. Approx. 10 stems/plant. Plant every two weeks for a continuous harvest. Drought tolerant. Plants avg. 8-9' tall.
Painted Mountain
Developed for its hardiness, earliness, drought tolerance, and nutritional density in the mountains of Montana. Avg. 6-7" multicolor ears for roasting or grinding into high-nutrition flour or hominy grits. Bred by Dave Christensen of Big Timber, MT from multiple Native American heirlooms. Avg. 4' plants.
Reid's Yellow Dent
A legendary heirloom dent corn with over 150 years of American agricultural history, originally developed in Illinois in the 1840s. This variety became the foundation for modern corn breeding and remains popular among heritage gardeners for its reliability and multi-purpose uses. Perfect for those interested in preserving agricultural history while producing versatile corn for grinding, livestock feed, or ornamental use.
Ruby Queen
This stunning ornamental and culinary corn produces ears with deep ruby-red kernels that look like precious gems. While primarily grown for decoration and grinding into colorful cornmeal, the young ears can also be eaten fresh when harvested early. Ruby Queen adds dramatic color to fall displays while providing a unique ingredient for adventurous home cooks and bakers.
Silver King
A stunning white sweet corn that produces large, tender ears filled with plump, milky-white kernels bursting with classic corn sweetness. This reliable heirloom variety has been a garden favorite since the 1950s, delivering consistent harvests of beautiful ears that are perfect for fresh eating, freezing, or canning. Silver King's vigorous stalks and excellent ear fill make it an ideal choice for gardeners wanting dependable white corn with old-fashioned flavor.
Silver Queen
The gold standard of white sweet corn varieties, Silver Queen has been the benchmark for sweetness and tenderness since 1958. This reliable heirloom produces large ears packed with creamy white kernels that deliver exceptional flavor and crisp texture. A true classic that continues to dominate home gardens and farmers markets across America.
Stowell's Evergreen
Dating back to 1848, Stowell's Evergreen earned its name for staying tender and sweet longer than other varieties, remaining in perfect eating condition for weeks. This tall, vigorous heirloom produces large ears with deep white kernels and is considered one of the finest varieties for canning and preserving. Its reliable performance and extended harvest window make it invaluable for serious corn growers.
Why These Corn Work for Heirloom
Heirloom varieties are open-pollinated cultivars passed down for generations — prized for complex flavor, storied history, and seed-saving potential. These varieties let you save seeds and grow the same crop next year.