Hybrid

Ambrosia

Zea mays 'Ambrosia'

A supersweet bicolor corn that lives up to its heavenly name with incredibly tender, crisp kernels that burst with sweetness. This variety maintains its sugar content much longer than standard sweet corn, staying sweet for days after harvest when properly stored. The striking yellow and white kernel pattern makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious on the dinner table.

Harvest

75-80d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

2–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

5-8 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Ambrosia in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 corn →

Zone Map

Click a state to update dates

Ambrosia · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing8-10 inches

SoilRich, well-drained loam with high fertility

pH6.2-6.8

WaterHigh — consistent moisture needed

SeasonSummer

FlavorExceptionally sweet and crisp with intense corn flavor

ColorBicolor yellow and white kernels

Size8-9 inch ears

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	—	—	June – July	September – October
Zone 4	—	—	June – July	September – October
Zone 5	—	—	May – June	September – October
Zone 6	—	—	May – June	August – October
Zone 7	—	—	April – June	August – September
Zone 8	—	—	April – May	July – September
Zone 9	—	—	March – April	June – August
Zone 10	—	—	February – April	June – July

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Color: Gold/Yellow. Type: Caryopsis. Length: > 3 inches. Width: 1-3 inches.

Garden value: Edible, Showy

Harvest time: Fall

Bloom time: Summer

Edibility: Edibile

Storage & Preservation

Ambrosia's supersweet genetics allow it to maintain quality longer than standard corn varieties, but proper storage is still crucial. Keep unhusked ears in the refrigerator at 32-35°F with high humidity—wrap in damp paper towels or store in perforated plastic bags. Properly stored, Ambrosia retains excellent eating quality for 5-7 days, significantly longer than regular sweet corn.

For longer preservation, blanch whole kernels for 4 minutes, then freeze in portion-sized bags. The high sugar content makes Ambrosia exceptional for freezing—it maintains texture and sweetness remarkably well. Alternatively, pressure can whole kernel corn following USDA guidelines. Avoid dehydrating this variety, as the high moisture content makes it prone to spoilage, and drying destroys the tender texture that makes Ambrosia special. For best results, freeze corn at peak ripeness within 2-3 hours of harvest.

History & Origin

Origin: Mexico

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Black Walnut
+Edible: Edibile
+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Beans

Fixes nitrogen in soil for corn, corn provides natural trellis for climbing beans

Squash

Large leaves suppress weeds and retain soil moisture, completes the Three Sisters planting

Marigolds

Repels corn earworm, aphids, and nematodes with natural compounds

Nasturtiums

Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, deters corn borers

Sunflowers

Attracts beneficial insects and birds that eat corn pests, similar growing requirements

Dill

Attracts beneficial wasps that parasitize corn borers and other harmful insects

Sweet Alyssum

Ground cover that attracts hover flies and other beneficial insects that control aphids

Parsley

Attracts beneficial insects like tachinid flies that prey on corn earworms

Keep Apart

Tomatoes

Both are heavy feeders competing for nutrients, corn earworm also attacks tomatoes

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that inhibits corn growth and development

Fennel

Allelopathic properties inhibit corn germination and growth

Nutrition Facts

Calories

86kcal(4%)

Protein

3.22g(6%)

Fiber

2.7g(10%)

Carbs

19g(7%)

Fat

1.18g(2%)

Vitamin C

6.8mg(8%)

Vitamin A

0mcg(0%)

Vitamin K

0.3mcg(0%)

Iron

0.52mg(3%)

Calcium

2mg(0%)

Potassium

270mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #168538)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good resistance to northern corn leaf blight and common rust

Common Pests

Corn earworm, European corn borer, birds, raccoons

Diseases

Stewart's wilt, gray leaf spot, southern corn leaf blight

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Ambrosia corn take to grow from seed to harvest?▼

Ambrosia corn takes 75-80 days from planting to harvest. In most regions, this means planting in late May or early June for harvest in August. The exact timing depends on your local climate and soil temperature—count from when you plant, not when seeds germinate, which typically takes 7-14 days in warm soil.

Can you grow Ambrosia corn in containers?▼

Growing Ambrosia corn in containers is challenging but possible with very large containers (minimum 20 gallons) and careful attention to watering and fertilizing. However, you'll need multiple containers to create the block planting necessary for proper pollination. Container-grown corn typically produces smaller ears and lower yields than garden-planted corn.

What does Ambrosia corn taste like compared to regular sweet corn?▼

Ambrosia corn is significantly sweeter than regular sweet corn, with sugar levels 2-3 times higher. The kernels have a tender, almost creamy texture that 'pops' when bitten, releasing intense sweet corn flavor. Unlike some supersweet varieties that can taste artificially sweet, Ambrosia maintains a true corn flavor alongside its exceptional sweetness.

Why does my Ambrosia corn need to be isolated from other corn varieties?▼

Ambrosia must be isolated because cross-pollination with other corn types will reduce its sweetness and alter kernel characteristics. When supersweet corn is pollinated by regular corn, the resulting kernels become tough and starchy. Maintain 250 feet distance or plant different varieties 2 weeks apart to prevent pollen mixing.

Is Ambrosia corn good for beginners to grow?▼

Ambrosia corn is moderately challenging for beginners due to specific requirements like soil temperature, heavy fertilization, isolation from other corn, and precise harvest timing. New gardeners should start with easier sweet corn varieties, then try Ambrosia once comfortable with basic corn growing techniques and soil preparation.

When should I plant Ambrosia corn in my area?▼

Plant Ambrosia corn when soil temperature consistently reaches 65-70°F, typically 2-3 weeks after your last frost date. In northern areas (zones 3-6), this is usually late May to early June. Southern gardeners (zones 7-9) can plant in early to mid-May, and may get a second planting for fall harvest.