Golden Bantam
Zea mays var. saccharata '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.
Harvest
75-85d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
5-8 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Golden Bantam in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 corn →Zone Map
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Golden Bantam · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
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
Fresh Golden Bantam is best consumed within 24 hours of harvest for optimal sweetness. Store unhusked ears in the refrigerator at 32-35°F with high humidity—wrap in damp paper towels and place in perforated plastic bags. Husked ears deteriorate rapidly and should be used within hours.
For freezing, blanch whole kernels or cob segments in boiling water for 4 minutes, cool immediately in ice water, then package in freezer bags. Frozen Golden Bantam maintains quality for 10-12 months. You can also cut kernels from raw cobs and freeze directly for use in soups and stews.
Canning Golden Bantam requires pressure canning due to its low acidity—follow USDA guidelines for safe processing times and pressures. The variety's intense flavor makes it excellent for creamed corn and corn relish preparations that preserve well in jars.
History & Origin
Origin: Mexico
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut
- +Edible: Edibile
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Bush Beans
Fix nitrogen in soil that corn can utilize, classic Three Sisters combination
Winter Squash
Large leaves suppress weeds and retain moisture, completes Three Sisters planting
Marigolds
Repel corn earworms, aphids, and other harmful insects
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, repel squash bugs
Sunflowers
Attract beneficial insects and can serve as natural corn supports
Dill
Attracts beneficial wasps that prey on corn borers and other pests
Sweet Alyssum
Attracts hoverflies and other beneficial insects that control aphids
Pole Beans
Use corn stalks as natural support while fixing nitrogen
Keep Apart
Tomatoes
Both are heavy feeders competing for nutrients, attract similar pests like hornworms
Black Walnut
Releases juglone toxin that inhibits corn growth and development
Brassicas
Compete heavily for nutrients and may stunt corn growth through root competition
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, susceptible to common corn smut and bacterial wilt
Common Pests
Corn earworm, European corn borer, corn rootworm, raccoons, birds
Diseases
Common smut, bacterial wilt, northern corn leaf blight, rust