SWEET CORN - GOLDEN BANTAM

    Organic Sweetcorn Golden Bantam

          10 Seeds Pack    

Early Golden Bantam corn, often simply called Golden Bantam, is a cherished heirloom sweet corn variety with a legacy dating back to the early 20th century. First introduced in 1902 by W. Atlee Burpee, it quickly became one of the most popular and enduring corn varieties of its time, celebrated for its exceptional sweetness and tender kernels.

At peak ripeness, the vibrant golden-yellow kernels deliver a robust, full-bodied flavour that has earned Golden Bantam its reputation as one of the sweetest heirloom corns. Its rich taste and historical significance make it a perennial favourite among gardeners and corn enthusiasts alike. The stalks of Early Golden Bantam typically grow to heights of 5 to 6 feet, producing small to medium-sized ears around 6 to 7 inches long. With a relatively short maturity period of just 75–80 days, it is well-suited for regions with shorter growing seasons, offering growers a reliable, flavourful harvest steeped in tradition.

      PLANTING&GROWING

Sweetcorn has shallow roots, making wind protection and soil moisture retention essential for healthy growth. With heights ranging from 75 to 170 cm (30 to 65 in) and an average spread of 45 cm (18 in) per plant, care should be taken to avoid shading nearby vegetables.

To germinate successfully, sweetcorn seeds require a minimum soil temperature of 10°C (50°F). Seeds can be started indoors in spring or sown directly outdoors from May onwards. Sweetcorn thrives in a long, warm season, needing 70 to 110 frost-free days after planting, with ideal growing temperatures between 16 and 35°C (61°F to 95°F). Germination typically takes 10 to 14 days.

When transplanting sweetcorn outdoors in May, use a trowel to plant seedlings 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep with 60 cm (24 in) between rows, forming a block for better pollination. For direct sowing in late spring or early summer, wait until the soil temperature exceeds 15°C (59°F). Create 2.5 cm (1 in) deep holes with a dibber, sowing two to three seeds every 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) with 60 cm (24 in) spacing between rows. Cover with soil, water thoroughly, and thin seedlings to the strongest one when they reach 2 cm (1 in) in height.

For optimal growth, plant sweetcorn after nitrogen-fixing crops like clover, beans, or peas. Following a 3- or 4-year crop rotation plan is recommended to maintain soil health and prevent nutrient depletion.