Country Gentleman
Zea mays '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.
Harvest
90-100d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
5-8 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Country Gentleman in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 corn →Zone Map
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Country Gentleman · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | — | June – July | October – October |
| Zone 4 | — | — | June – July | September – October |
| Zone 5 | — | — | May – June | September – October |
| Zone 6 | — | — | May – June | September – October |
| Zone 7 | — | — | April – June | August – October |
| Zone 8 | — | — | April – May | August – September |
| Zone 9 | — | — | March – April | July – August |
| Zone 10 | — | — | February – April | June – August |
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
Fresh Country Gentleman corn should be used immediately for best flavor, as its high sugar content converts to starch quickly. If storing, leave husks on and refrigerate for up to 3 days at 32-35°F with high humidity.
For freezing, blanch whole kernels for 4 minutes after cutting from cob, then cool quickly in ice water before packaging. Country Gentleman's fine texture makes it exceptional for cream-style corn - scrape cobs after cutting kernels to capture the sweet milk.
This variety excels in pressure canning due to its traditional corn flavor that intensifies with processing. The irregular kernel shape creates natural pockets that hold seasonings well. Dehydrating works but requires longer drying times due to higher moisture content than modern varieties.
History & Origin
Origin: Mexico
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut
- +Edible: Edibile
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Beans
Fix nitrogen in soil that corn can utilize, part of traditional Three Sisters planting
Squash
Large leaves suppress weeds and retain soil moisture, completes Three Sisters guild
Marigolds
Repel corn earworms, aphids, and other harmful insects
Nasturtiums
Trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, repels squash bugs
Sunflowers
Attract beneficial insects and provide windbreak protection for corn
Dill
Attracts beneficial wasps that prey on corn borers and other pests
Cucumbers
Utilize vertical space efficiently and benefit from corn's wind protection
Radishes
Break up compacted soil and deter corn borers when planted early
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Releases juglone toxin that severely stunts corn growth and development
Tomatoes
Both are heavy nitrogen feeders creating competition, corn attracts tomato fruitworm
Fennel
Allelopathic properties inhibit corn germination and growth
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #168538)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Limited disease resistance typical of heirlooms. Susceptible to most common corn diseases.
Common Pests
Corn earworm, European corn borer, corn rootworm, birds
Diseases
Common rust, smut, northern corn leaf blight, Stewart's wilt