Hybrid

Silver Choice

Zea mays 'Silver Choice'

An exceptional white sweet corn hybrid that sets the standard for tenderness and sweetness in its class. The bright white kernels are incredibly tender and hold their sugar content well after harvest, making it ideal for both immediate eating and storage. This variety consistently produces uniform, well-filled ears that gardeners can count on.

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 Silver Choice in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 corn →

Zone Map

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Silver Choice · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy to moderate

Spacing8-12 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter

pH6.0-6.8

WaterHigh — consistent moisture needed

SeasonSummer

FlavorVery sweet with exceptional tenderness, clean corn flavor without starchiness

ColorBright white kernels

Size8-8.5 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

Fresh Silver Choice corn should be used within 24 hours for peak sweetness, though its superior sugar retention means it stays sweet longer than many varieties. Store unhusked ears in the refrigerator at 32-35°F with high humidity—wrap in damp paper towels and place in perforated plastic bags.

For freezing, blanch whole kernels for 4 minutes or whole ears for 6-8 minutes, then plunge in ice water. Silver Choice's tender kernels freeze exceptionally well and maintain their texture. Cut kernels from cobs after blanching for easier storage.

This variety excels for cream-style corn due to its tender kernels and sweet milk. Can using a pressure canner following USDA guidelines. Silver Choice also dehydrates well—blanch first, then dry at 125°F until brittle. The variety's low starch content makes it less suitable for traditional hominy preparation but perfect for fresh salsas and relishes.

History & Origin

Origin: Mexico

Advantages

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

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Beans

Fix nitrogen in soil that corn needs, part of the Three Sisters planting method

Squash

Large leaves suppress weeds and retain soil moisture, completes Three Sisters companion system

Marigolds

Repel corn earworms, aphids, and other harmful insects through natural compounds

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, edible flowers add color

Sunflowers

Provide natural trellis support for climbing beans and attract beneficial pollinators

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps that control corn pests

Cucumbers

Benefit from corn's wind protection while using different soil nutrients

Radishes

Break up compacted soil around corn roots and deter corn borers

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that severely stunts corn growth and can kill plants

Tomatoes

Both are heavy nitrogen feeders competing for same nutrients, attract similar pests

Brassicas

Cabbage family plants can stunt corn growth through allelopathic compounds

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

Moderate resistance to northern corn leaf blight and common rust

Common Pests

Corn earworm, armyworm, corn borer, Japanese beetles

Diseases

Stewart's bacterial wilt, anthracnose, crazy top

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Silver Choice takes 75-80 days from planting to harvest. This timing depends on soil temperature, weather conditions, and growing zone. In cooler climates or during cool springs, it may take closer to 80-85 days. Plan your planting date by counting back from your desired harvest time, ensuring soil temperature is consistently 60°F or higher at planting.

Can you grow Silver Choice corn in containers?▼

Silver Choice is not well-suited for container growing due to corn's wind-pollination requirements and large size. Corn needs to be planted in blocks for proper pollination, and each plant requires significant space and nutrients. A single container plant would likely produce poorly filled ears. Focus on compact determinate varieties or consider dwarf corn varieties specifically bred for container growing.

What does Silver Choice corn taste like compared to yellow corn?▼

Silver Choice offers exceptional sweetness with a clean, pure corn flavor without any starchiness. Compared to yellow varieties, white corn like Silver Choice tends to have a slightly more delicate, less robust flavor profile. The kernels are remarkably tender with a pleasant 'pop' when bitten. Many describe it as having a cleaner, sweeter taste than yellow varieties, though flavor preference between white and yellow corn is largely personal.

When should I plant Silver Choice corn for best results?▼

Plant Silver Choice when soil temperature consistently reaches 60°F, typically mid to late May in zones 3-5, early May in zones 6-7, and mid-April in zones 8-9. Use a soil thermometer to verify temperature rather than relying on calendar dates. For extended harvest, plant successive crops every 2-3 weeks through mid-summer, stopping 75-80 days before your first expected fall frost.

Is Silver Choice good for beginning gardeners?▼

Silver Choice is moderately beginner-friendly with some important considerations. It's straightforward to grow if you follow proper spacing and block planting for pollination. However, beginners often struggle with timing (planting too early in cold soil) and proper spacing. The variety is forgiving once established and produces reliable results, making it suitable for gardeners who do their homework on corn-growing basics.

How do you know when Silver Choice corn is ready to pick?▼

Silver Choice is ready when silks turn brown and dry, kernels feel plump through the husk, and the classic 'fingernail test' produces milky juice when you pierce a kernel. Harvest in early morning when sugar content is highest. The ears should feel full and firm, and husks will still be green and tight. Check daily once silks brown—the harvest window lasts 5-7 days before quality declines.