How to Grow Avanti Bicolor Corn
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Avanti Bicolor Corn
Zea mays
vegetableAvanti Bicolor is a supersweet corn variety featuring bi-colored kernels with yellow and white kernels on the same cob. It produces medium-sized ears (7-8 inches) with exceptional sweetness and tenderness, making it a favorite for fresh eating and farmers' markets. The variety is known for its excellent taste and ability to maintain sweetness longer after harvest compared to standard corn.
When should you plant Avanti Bicolor Corn in your zone?
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Example Avanti Bicolor Corn timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Avanti Bicolor Corn
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Avanti Bicolor Corn
Around Jun 28≈ 72 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Avanti Bicolor Corn dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; performs best in zones 5-8 with warm soil and adequate moisture
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Get my Avanti Bicolor Corn timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
7-10 daysSeeds sprout and first leaves emerge above soil; seedlings develop 2-3 true leaves
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing (8 inches apart) when 3-4 inches tall. Ensure warm soil (minimum 60°F, optimal 70-85°F).
Vegetative Growth
25-35 daysPlant develops multiple leaves and root system strengthens; height increases to 2-3 feet
Maintain consistent watering. Apply nitrogen fertilizer when plants reach 12 inches tall. Consider shallow cultivation to remove weeds, being careful not to damage roots. Support plants if in windy area.
Flowering & Tassel Development
15-20 daysTassels emerge from the top of the plant; silks appear from the ear nodes and eventually extend beyond the husks
Provide 1-1.5 inches of water weekly during this critical stage. Silking and pollination are essential for kernel development. Avoid nutrient stress. Ensure good air circulation to prevent disease.
Ear Development & Kernel Filling
20-25 daysKernels fill from the base of the ear upward; bicolor pattern becomes evident; ears reach full size
Maintain consistent moisture to prevent kernel abortion or shriveling. Water deeply 1-2 inches per week. Do not miss watering during this critical stage. Reduce nitrogen to prevent excessive foliage at expense of ear quality.
Maturity & Harvest Readiness
5-10 daysKernels reach full size and plump appearance; milk stage is ideal for supersweet varieties; husks brown and kernels show full bicolor pattern
Monitor ears closely daily once they reach expected maturity date. Test for readiness by puncturing a kernel—it should release milky juice. Harvest promptly for best sweetness. Cool ears immediately after harvest.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Plant resistant varieties, use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray, remove affected stalks, encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps
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Apply mineral oil to silk entry point 3-4 days after silking emergence; use spinosad or Bt sprays; remove and destroy affected ears
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Hand-pick larvae, use Bt sprays, encourage birds and beneficial insects, maintain field sanitation
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Hand-pick in early morning, use row covers on young plants, apply neem oil, use pheromone traps away from corn
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Strong water spray to dislodge, insecticidal soap, neem oil, encourage ladybugs and lacewings
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Protective collars around seedlings, remove debris, encourage ground beetles, use diatomaceous earth around base
Uses
Fresh Eating & Cooking
CulinaryAvanti Bicolor is prized for eating fresh off the cob or in salads, side dishes, and corn-based recipes. Its exceptional sweetness and tender texture make it ideal for grilling, boiling, or steaming. [source]
Farmers' Market & Fresh Sales
CulinaryThe attractive bicolor pattern and superior sweetness make it highly marketable. It commands premium prices at farmers' markets and in farm-to-table operations. [source]
Preservation & Freezing
HouseholdAvanti Bicolor freezes exceptionally well, retaining flavor and texture. Blanch and freeze kernels or whole cobs for use throughout the year. [source]
Wildlife & Pollinator Support
WildlifeCorn tassels and pollen provide food for pollinating insects, and the plants offer shelter for beneficial insects. Late plantings can provide food for migrating birds. [source]
Ornamental & Decorative Uses
CraftThe bicolor pattern makes dried ears attractive for fall decorations and cornucopia arrangements. Husks can be used for craft projects. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest when ears reach full maturity, typically 20-22 days after silking appears. The ideal stage is 'milk stage'—puncture a kernel and it should release milky liquid. Kernels should be plump and full. Husks should be green and snug against the cob. Twist or cut ears downward at a slight angle from the stalk. For Avanti Bicolor specifically, timing is critical because supersweet varieties lose sweetness more quickly than standard corn—harvest in cool early morning when possible and refrigerate immediately. Use within 1-2 days for best quality.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Avanti Bicolor is a supersweet (sh2) corn variety, meaning it has a genetic mutation that increases sugar content and prevents conversion of sugar to starch—maintaining sweetness for longer after harvest compared to normal sweet corn.
- 🌱 The bicolor pattern (yellow and white kernels) is not due to genetic modification but rather careful breeding and cross-pollination of yellow and white corn varieties.
- 🌱 Corn silks are actually the styles and stigmas of the flower—each kernel develops one unique silk, so an ear with 500 kernels has 500 individual silks.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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