Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Stowell's Evergreen in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 corn →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Stowell's Evergreen · Zones 4–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Stowell's Evergreen demands patience and space, but rewards you with an extended harvest window that makes it invaluable for serious corn production. Begin site preparation in fall by incorporating 2-3 inches of well-aged compost or manure into your chosen plot – this variety's vigorous growth requires deep, nutrient-rich soil with excellent drainage.
Direct sow seeds only after soil temperature consistently reaches 65°F and all danger of frost has passed. In zones 6-7, this typically means mid to late May; zones 8-9 can plant in early May. Plant seeds 1-1.5 inches deep and 6 inches apart in rows spaced 30-36 inches apart. Most importantly, plant in blocks of at least 4 rows rather than single rows to ensure proper wind pollination – poor pollination results in partially filled ears with missing kernels.
Fertilize at planting with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer, then side-dress with high-nitrogen fertilizer when plants reach knee-high (about 18 inches). Apply another nitrogen feeding when silks appear, as this variety's extended growing season depletes soil nutrients more than shorter-season corn.
As plants reach 3-4 feet tall, hill soil around the base to prevent lodging – Stowell's Evergreen grows 7-8 feet tall and can topple in strong winds without proper support. Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the growing season, providing 1-1.5 inches weekly through drip irrigation or soaker hoses to avoid wetting leaves.
Avoid the common mistake of planting too early in cool soil, which leads to poor germination and stunted growth. Also resist the urge to remove suckers (side shoots) – while they look unproductive, they actually support the main stalk and contribute to overall plant vigor. In northern zones (5-6), start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before last frost in biodegradable pots, as this variety needs every day of the growing season to reach maturity.
Harvesting
Stowell's Evergreen reaches harvest maturity 95-100 days from planting, but its defining characteristic is the extended harvest window – ears remain tender and sweet for 2-3 weeks after reaching peak ripeness. Begin checking ears when silks turn brown and dry, typically in mid to late August in most regions.
Test for readiness by gently pulling back the husk at the tip and pressing a kernel with your thumbnail. Ripe kernels should release a milky, sweet juice – if the liquid is clear and watery, wait another few days. If it's thick and pasty, you've waited too long for fresh eating but the corn is perfect for processing.
Harvest in early morning when ears are cool and sugar content is highest. Twist ears downward and pull sharply away from the stalk, or cut the stem just above the ear attachment. Unlike other varieties that rapidly convert sugar to starch, Stowell's Evergreen maintains its sweetness for days after harvest, making it exceptionally forgiving for home gardeners. Pick outer ears first, leaving smaller inner ears to continue developing.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh Stowell's Evergreen corn stores remarkably well compared to other varieties, maintaining sweetness for up to a week when kept in the refrigerator with husks on. For immediate use, store unhusked ears in the crisper drawer at 32-35°F with high humidity.
This variety excels at preservation – its original claim to fame in the 1800s. For freezing, blanch whole kernels for 4 minutes or cut kernels from cobs and blanch for 3 minutes before packaging. The deep, plump kernels are ideal for cream-style corn preparation.
Stowell's Evergreen is exceptional for canning due to its firm texture that holds up during processing. Can using pressure canning methods only – water bath canning is unsafe for corn. The variety's natural tendency to maintain kernel integrity makes it perfect for whole kernel canning, corn relish, and succotash recipes that were popular during its heyday.
History & Origin
Stowell's Evergreen was developed in 1848 by Nathan Stowell in Burlington, New Jersey, revolutionizing corn cultivation with its unprecedented storage quality. Before Stowell's innovation, sweet corn had to be consumed within hours of harvest before sugars converted to starch, making it impractical for commercial production and long-term storage.
Stowell selected this variety specifically for its ability to remain 'evergreen' – staying tender and sweet on the stalk for weeks longer than existing varieties. This breakthrough made it possible to harvest large quantities for preservation, transforming corn from a subsistence crop to a commercial canning industry staple.
By the 1880s, Stowell's Evergreen dominated American corn production and became the foundation for the commercial canning industry. Many modern sweet corn varieties trace their lineage back to this historic cultivar. The variety spread internationally, helping establish sweet corn as a global food crop rather than just animal feed. Its genetic stability and consistent performance made it a cornerstone variety that influenced corn breeding for over a century.
Advantages
- +Extended harvest window of 2-3 weeks maintains eating quality longer than any other heirloom variety
- +Exceptional storage life retains sweetness for days after harvest without refrigeration
- +Superior canning and preservation qualities with firm kernels that resist mushiness
- +Reliable pollination and kernel development even in variable weather conditions
- +Tall, vigorous plants produce large 8-9 inch ears with deep, uniform kernels
- +Proven genetic stability with consistent performance across different growing regions
- +Natural resistance to kernel shrinkage and maintains plump appearance when dried
Considerations
- -Long 95-100 day maturity limits growing regions to zones 5-9 with adequate season length
- -Requires significant garden space with 7-8 foot plant height and wide row spacing
- -Susceptible to bacterial wilt which can destroy entire plantings in humid conditions
- -Heavy nitrogen requirements demand multiple fertilizer applications throughout season
- -Tall growth habit makes plants prone to wind damage without proper soil hilling
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Bush Beans
Fix nitrogen in soil that corn utilizes, while corn provides natural trellis support
Winter Squash
Ground cover reduces weeds and retains soil moisture, part of traditional Three Sisters planting
Pole Beans
Climb corn stalks for support while adding nitrogen to soil through root nodules
Marigolds
Repel corn earworms, aphids, and nematodes with natural pest-deterrent compounds
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while repelling squash bugs
Sunflowers
Attract beneficial insects and pollinators, can serve as windbreak when planted strategically
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control corn borers and aphids
Borage
Repels hornworms and cabbage worms while attracting pollinators and beneficial insects
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Releases juglone toxin that severely stunts corn growth and can kill plants
Fennel
Allelopathic properties inhibit corn germination and growth through chemical compounds
Tomatoes
Both are heavy nitrogen feeders creating competition, and attract similar pest insects like hornworms
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Moderate resistance to common smut, susceptible to bacterial diseases
Common Pests
Corn earworm, European corn borer, corn rootworm, fall armyworm
Diseases
Bacterial wilt, northern corn leaf blight, gray leaf spot, rust