Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Country Gentleman in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 corn →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Country Gentleman · Zones 4–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Country Gentleman corn requires careful planning since it needs a full 90-100 day growing season to reach maturity. Start by selecting your sunniest garden spot and preparing the soil in early spring. Work in 2-3 inches of well-aged compost or manure, as this heirloom variety is particularly hungry for nutrients throughout its long growing season.
Wait until soil temperature consistently reaches 65°F before direct sowing - usually 2-3 weeks after your last frost date. Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep and 6 inches apart in blocks rather than single rows to ensure proper pollination. Since Country Gentleman lacks the vigor of modern hybrids, plant in blocks of at least 4 rows with 30 inches between rows. This dense planting pattern is crucial for the irregular kernel development that makes this variety unique.
Fertilize at planting with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer, then side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer when plants reach knee-high (around 18 inches). Apply another round of nitrogen when silks first appear. Country Gentleman's extended growing season means it needs consistent feeding - deficient plants will produce poorly filled ears with the kernels even more irregularly spaced.
Maintain consistent moisture throughout the season, providing 1-1.5 inches per week. Mulch heavily around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch 3 inches away from stalks to prevent pest harboring. This variety is particularly susceptible to drought stress during silk development, which can result in poorly filled ears.
Avoid the common mistake of harvesting too early. Country Gentleman's irregular kernel pattern makes it harder to judge maturity than conventional corn varieties. The extended growing season means you'll be harvesting well into fall in most climates. In zones 6 and cooler, consider starting seeds indoors 2-3 weeks early in biodegradable pots to extend your season, though direct sowing is preferred when possible.
Harvesting
Country Gentleman requires patience - its irregular kernel pattern makes traditional ripeness indicators less reliable. Harvest when silks turn dark brown and dry, and kernels feel plump when pressed gently through the husk. The unique zigzag kernel arrangement should be fully developed with no gaps between kernels.
Test ripeness by peeling back a small section of husk and pressing a kernel with your thumbnail. Ripe kernels will release milky juice, while overripe ones produce a doughy consistency. Since kernels don't align in rows, check several kernels across the ear's surface.
Harvest in early morning when sugar content peaks and ears feel cool to the touch. Twist and pull ears downward in one smooth motion, keeping husks attached until ready to use. Country Gentleman's tender kernels can be easily damaged, so handle gently. Each stalk typically produces 1-2 well-filled ears, with the second ear maturing 3-5 days after the first.
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
Country Gentleman corn originated in the late 1800s, first introduced commercially by Burpee Seeds in 1890. This distinctive shoepeg variety was developed from Ne Plus Ultra corn, an earlier white sweet corn variety, through careful selection for its unique irregular kernel arrangement.
The variety gained its genteel name from its refined appearance and superior eating quality compared to field corn varieties of the era. During the Victorian period, Country Gentleman became a symbol of sophisticated gardening, prized by estate gardens and wealthy households for its unusual beauty and exceptional flavor.
This heirloom represents the pinnacle of 19th-century sweet corn breeding, developed before hybrid vigor techniques revolutionized corn production. Country Gentleman maintained popularity through the early 1900s but declined as faster-maturing hybrids dominated commercial production. Today's revival reflects growing interest in preserving genetic diversity and traditional flavors that defined American cuisine for generations.
Advantages
- +Distinctive zigzag kernel pattern creates stunning visual appeal unlike any modern variety
- +Exceptional cream-style corn texture due to fine kernel structure and high starch content
- +Superior old-fashioned corn flavor that intensifies when cooked or processed
- +Kernels cut easily from cob due to irregular spacing, perfect for traditional recipes
- +Strong stalks rarely lodge even in windy conditions despite 90-100 day growing period
- +Produces consistently even in marginal growing conditions where hybrids fail
- +Seeds can be saved successfully, maintaining true-to-type characteristics
Considerations
- -Extended 90-100 day maturity makes it unsuitable for short-season climates
- -Limited disease resistance typical of heirlooms increases crop loss risk
- -Lower yields than modern varieties with only 1-2 ears per stalk
- -Irregular kernel pattern makes it difficult to judge optimal harvest timing
- -Requires longer, warmer growing season than most gardeners can provide
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
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