Peaches and Cream
Zea mays var. saccharata 'Peaches and Cream'
This stunning bicolor variety produces ears with a beautiful mix of white and yellow kernels that look like peaches and cream. Known for its exceptional sweetness and tender texture, this hybrid variety stays sweet longer than many other corns after picking. The reliable production and gorgeous appearance make it a favorite for both home gardens and farmers markets.
Harvest
75-83d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
5-8 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Peaches and Cream in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 corn →Zone Map
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Peaches and Cream · 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
Store unhusked ears immediately in the refrigerator to slow sugar conversion to starch. Keep husks on until ready to use — they protect kernels and maintain moisture. Fresh corn stays at peak quality for 3-5 days when properly refrigerated, though Peaches and Cream retains sweetness longer than many varieties.
For freezing, blanch whole kernels for 4 minutes or cut kernels from cob and blanch for 2 minutes before freezing. The bicolor appearance holds well when frozen. You can also freeze whole ears after blanching for 7-9 minutes. For longer preservation, pickle kernels in vinegar brine or dry kernels completely for grinding into cornmeal. Avoid canning fresh corn using water bath methods — pressure canning only for safety.
History & Origin
Origin: Mexico
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut
- +Edible: Edibile
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Bush Beans
Fix nitrogen in soil which corn needs, while corn provides support structure
Summer Squash
Large leaves provide ground cover and moisture retention, part of Three Sisters planting
Basil
Repels aphids, corn borers, and other pests that target corn
Marigolds
Deter corn earworms, aphids, and nematodes with their strong scent
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, keeping them away from corn
Sunflowers
Attract beneficial insects and birds that eat corn pests
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control corn borers
Lettuce
Benefits from corn's shade during hot weather, maximizes garden space
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which inhibits corn growth and can cause stunting
Fennel
Allelopathic properties inhibit corn germination and growth
Tomatoes
Both are heavy nitrogen feeders competing for same nutrients, attract similar pests
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #325430)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to northern corn leaf blight and rust
Common Pests
Corn earworm, European corn borer, Japanese beetles, raccoons
Diseases
Stewart's bacterial wilt, common smut, southern corn leaf blight