Best corn seeds

Summer picnics and days by the grill just wouldn't be the same without fresh buttery sweet corn. And while you may pay a pretty penny for that luxury when buying corn at a roadside stand, in the supermarket, or at a big box store, it's actually relatively inexpensive to plant corn and grow it yourself.

Successful corn planting requires the best corn seeds, a little sun, and some water. Mother Nature takes care of most of that work, provided you've invested in high-quality seeds. Good seed is hearty, possesses good shape and color, and is quick to germinate.

What's the best corn seed for your family? That answer depends on how much land you have to work with, where you live, and your taste buds. Let's rundown the best corn seeds available so you can narrow down your choices.

If you have a hard time deciding between white corn or yellow corn, the hybrid Peaches & Cream variety from Seed Needs is what you want. These non-GMO corn seeds put out white and yellow densely-packed kernels bursting with flavor. This variety grows well in zones 3-11, germinates within days, and produces a crop in 80-85 days. If you're a home gardener, this is our recommendation.

Burpee Suntava purple sweet corn seeds grow in all seasons and all zones. This deep purple corn doesn't need much room to grow, so it's a good fit for you if you have a backyard garden. Germination is quick, provided seeds are soaked first, and crop output is impressive. If you like your corn on the sweet side and want an easy-to-deal-with planting season, throw these corn seeds in your cart now.

Golden Bantam is the sweet corn you likely grew up with. This hybrid Golden Bantom X from Isla's Garden is a new take on an old favorite. These seeds germinate quickly, are easy to grow, and are some of the most hassle-free corn seeds you'll ever plant. Golden Bantom X produces bright yellow, juicy corn kernels bursting with flavor.

A hybrid white corn variety, Silver Queen corn seeds from Park Seed quickly germinate but mature more slowly than other varieties. Once harvested, Silver Queen tantalizes the taste buds with plump, sweet kernels. Park Seed offers this bargain bag of 200 seeds. The seeds produce easy-to-maintain 8-foot stalks and 8 to 9-inch large ears.

The original yellow corn, Burpee-bred Golden Bantam, was first introduced in 1902. Suited for early spring planting, these seeds thrive in cold spring soils and are suitable for all zones. The Burpee corn seeds come in a 200-pack and include all growing instructions to ensure you get the best harvest.

If you're a popcorn enthusiast, you're going to love the Sow Right Seeds Strawberry Popcorn seeds. These heirloom non-GMO seeds go in the ground in early fall and produce two to four ears per stalk 80 days later. Strawberry popcorn pops white but comes out of the ground in bright ruby red cobs. It's the most gardening fun you'll ever have.

The best corn seeds

Putting healthy food on your table is easier than ever, especially if you grow your own. Planting and harvesting corn requires some work and a little luck, but it's mostly a foolproof endeavor. If you're a home gardener, we recommend starting with Seed Needs Peaches and Cream. You'll get 230 quick-germinating seeds that produce a crop in as little as 80 days.

If you want corn seeds that grow in all seasons and output sugary sweet corn, look to Burpee Suntava purple corn seeds. You'll get a pack of 300 seeds you can plant year-round.  

When you want to get nostalgic or you're new to gardening, the best corn seeds for you are Golden X Bantom from Isla's Garden. The seeds germinate without much trouble, harvest in about 80 days, and are an easy-to-grow standby.

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At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.