How to Grow Stowell's Evergreen
Zea mays var. saccharata 'Stowell's Evergreen'
Stowell's Evergreen is a popular heirloom sweet corn variety known for its tender kernels and reliable performance in warm gardens. Gardeners prize this 5-8 foot tall crop for its consistent yield and classic flavor, making it an excellent choice for home plots seeking fresh summer harvests.
Starting Stowell's Evergreen: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Stowell's Evergreen is not usually started indoors.
Do not transplant corn seedlings; sow seeds directly into the garden bed only after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have risen sufficiently for germination.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare loose, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to support root development. As a warm-season crop, you must wait until after the last spring frost when the ground has warmed up before sowing directly outdoors; do not start indoors as corn does not transplant well. Plant seeds about 1 inch deep, expecting germination within 7 to 14 days.
Space plants 10 to 12 inches apart in rows to ensure good air circulation and pollination. Provide consistent moisture throughout the season since this variety has high water requirements, especially during kernel formation. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, feeding regularly with balanced fertilizer if growth slows.
Watch for common pests like corn earworms and rootworms, managing them with row covers or organic sprays early on. Monitor for diseases such as northern corn leaf blight and bacterial wilt by ensuring good air flow and avoiding overhead watering during humid weather. Harvest the ears 95 to 100 days after planting when kernels are milky and plump.
When to Plant Stowell's Evergreen
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | — | July – August | November – August |
| Zone 2 | — | June – August | October – September |
| Zone 3 | — | June – July | October |
| Zone 4 | — | June – July | 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 |
| Zone 11 | — | January – March | May – July |
| Zone 12 | — | January – March | May – July |
| Zone 13 | — | January – March | May – July |
Companion Plants for Stowell's Evergreen
✓ Good companions
Repels hornworms and cabbage worms while attracting pollinators and beneficial insects
Fix nitrogen in soil that corn utilizes, while corn provides natural trellis support
Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control corn borers and aphids
Repel corn earworms, aphids, and nematodes with natural pest-deterrent compounds
Act as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while repelling squash bugs
Climb corn stalks for support while adding nitrogen to soil through root nodules
Attract beneficial insects and pollinators, can serve as windbreak when planted strategically
Ground cover reduces weeds and retains soil moisture, part of traditional Three Sisters planting
✗ Keep away from
Releases juglone toxin that severely stunts corn growth and can kill plants
Allelopathic properties inhibit corn germination and growth through chemical compounds
Both are heavy nitrogen feeders creating competition, and attract similar pest insects like hornworm…
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
