Country Gentleman Corn Seeds - (Zea mays)

Country Gentleman Corn - Oh, so Sweet!

Country Gentleman was named for the famous nineteenth-century American agricultural magazine. It was bred as a cross between Ne Plus Ultra, a variety introduced in 1882, and Stowell’s Evergreen, yielding a larger ear than either parent yet retaining the “shoepeg” shaped kernels of Ne Plus Ultra. The stalks are 6-7' tall, with 8" ears and are resistant to Stewart's wilt. The long, narrow white kernels are arranged in an irregular, tightly packed zigzag pattern, thus the name “shoepeg” - one of the distinctive characteristics of this variety. The corn ripens with a flavor that is rich, sweet, and milky.

It was introduced in 1891 by Peter Henderson & Company of New York.

History

Corn is one of the Meso American’s earliest and greatest achievements. It allowed the Mayan, Aztec and Inca civilizations to flourish, among others, and was spread across the world through trade. Historical evidence shows corn was grown from South and Central America to the southern reaches of what is now Canada, and across the breadth of the United States. 

Uses

Excellent in canning and freezing, it is at its most flavorful best when fresh. Its milkiness made it the standard corn for creamed corn recipes once so popular with Victorian cooks.

Growing Tip

Planting 4-row blocks ensures better pollination than 2 long rows. Corn is ready when the silk on the ears is brown. Old timers say to get the barbeque hot as you go out to pick corn. The sooner it is cooked the tastier it is, and roasting it is heavenly!

Learn More

• Heirloom Corn - More than just Sweet Corn
• Heirloom Sweet Corn History
• Heirloom Corn - Grow It to Save It
• Blue and Yellow Cornmeal Polenta
• Alice Berner's Cornbread
• Heirloom Corn and Potato Chowder

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