Hybrid

Sugar Dots

Zea mays 'Sugar Dots'

A unique and eye-catching bicolor corn that produces stunning ears with purple and white kernels creating a polka-dotted appearance. This synergistic variety combines the visual appeal of ornamental corn with genuine sweet corn eating quality, making it perfect for gardeners who want something truly special. The purple kernels add antioxidants while maintaining excellent flavor and tenderness.

Harvest

78-85d

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 Sugar Dots in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 corn →

Zone Map

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Sugar Dots · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

Spacing10-12 inches

SoilRich, well-drained soil with good organic matter

pH6.0-6.8

WaterHigh — consistent moisture needed

SeasonSummer

FlavorSweet and tender with subtle berry notes from purple kernels, excellent fresh eating quality

ColorWhite kernels with purple dots creating polka-dot pattern

Size7-8 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 Sugar Dots corn should be used within 24-48 hours of harvest for peak sweetness and tenderness. Store unhusked ears in the refrigerator at 32-35°F with high humidity—wrap loosely in damp paper towels and place in perforated plastic bags. Never store at room temperature as sugars convert to starch rapidly.

For freezing, blanch whole kernels in boiling water for 4 minutes, then plunge into ice water. Cut kernels from cobs and freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 12 months. Alternatively, freeze whole ears after blanching for 6-8 minutes. The purple kernels retain their color and antioxidant properties through freezing.

Dehydrating works exceptionally well with Sugar Dots—the contrasting colors create striking dried corn for decorative and culinary uses. Dry at 135°F for 8-12 hours until kernels are completely moisture-free. Store dried kernels in airtight containers for grinding into cornmeal or rehydrating for soups and stews.

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, corn provides natural trellis support

Squash

Large leaves suppress weeds and retain soil moisture, completes the Three Sisters guild

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 birds that eat corn pests, similar growing requirements

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control corn borers

Radishes

Break up soil compaction, mature quickly before corn needs space

Sweet Alyssum

Attracts beneficial insects and provides ground cover to retain moisture

Keep Apart

Tomatoes

Both attract corn earworms, creating concentrated pest problems

Black Walnut

Produces juglone which is toxic to corn and inhibits growth

Fennel

Allelopathic properties inhibit corn germination and growth

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

Standard hybrid vigor with moderate disease resistance

Common Pests

Corn earworm, armyworm, corn rootworm, raccoons attracted to sweet kernels

Diseases

Northern corn leaf blight, common rust, Stewart's wilt

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Sugar Dots corn take to grow from seed to harvest?▼

Sugar Dots corn takes 78-85 days from planting to harvest, which is slightly longer than standard sweet corn varieties. The extended growing period allows for full development of both the purple pigmentation and sweet kernel quality. Plant after soil reaches 60°F for best germination and count from your planting date to estimate harvest timing.

Can you grow Sugar Dots corn in containers?▼

Sugar Dots corn can be grown in very large containers (at least 20 gallons) but isn't ideal for container gardening. Corn requires wind pollination and grows 6-8 feet tall with extensive root systems. You'd need multiple containers positioned close together for proper pollination, making this variety better suited for ground planting in garden beds.

What does Sugar Dots corn taste like compared to regular sweet corn?▼

Sugar Dots corn tastes sweet and tender like quality sweet corn, with the purple kernels adding subtle berry-like flavor notes. The texture is excellent for fresh eating—not tough or starchy like purely ornamental corn. The flavor is comparable to premium bicolor sweet corn varieties, making it genuinely enjoyable to eat despite its ornamental appearance.

Do I need to isolate Sugar Dots corn from other corn varieties?▼

Yes, you must isolate Sugar Dots corn by at least 250 feet from other corn varieties or plant with different timing to prevent cross-pollination. Without isolation, the distinctive purple and white pattern will be lost, and you'll get mixed kernel colors. This isolation requirement is critical for maintaining the variety's signature polka-dot appearance.

Is Sugar Dots corn good for beginners to grow?▼

Sugar Dots corn has moderate growing difficulty and isn't the best choice for complete beginners. It requires specific planting techniques (block patterns for pollination), isolation from other corn, consistent fertility management, and pest control. New gardeners should start with standard sweet corn varieties before attempting specialty types like Sugar Dots.

When should I plant Sugar Dots corn in my area?▼

Plant Sugar Dots corn after your soil temperature consistently reaches 60°F, typically 2-3 weeks after your last frost date. In zones 6-7, this means mid to late May. In zones 8-9, plant in early April. Use a soil thermometer to verify temperature rather than relying on air temperature, as cold soil leads to poor germination and potential seed rot.