Stowell's Evergreen
Zea mays var. saccharata 'Stowell's Evergreen'
Dating back to 1848, Stowell's Evergreen earned its name for staying tender and sweet longer than other varieties, remaining in perfect eating condition for weeks. This tall, vigorous heirloom produces large ears with deep white kernels and is considered one of the finest varieties for canning and preserving. Its reliable performance and extended harvest window make it invaluable for serious corn growers.
Harvest
95-100d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
5-8 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Stowell's Evergreen in USDA Zone 7
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Stowell's Evergreen · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | — | June – July | October – October |
| Zone 4 | — | — | June – July | October – October |
| Zone 5 | — | — | May – June | September – October |
| Zone 6 | — | — | May – June | September – October |
| Zone 7 | — | — | April – June | August – October |
| Zone 8 | — | — | April – May | August – September |
| Zone 9 | — | — | March – April | July – August |
| Zone 10 | — | — | February – April | June – August |
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 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
Origin: Mexico
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut
- +Edible: Edibile
- +Fast-growing
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
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #168538)
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