How to Grow Corn, Stowell's Evergreen
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Corn, Stowell's Evergreen
Zea mays var. saccharata
vegetableStowell's Evergreen is a classic sweet corn variety prized for its tender, milk-stage kernels and exceptional sweetness when harvested fresh. This tall, productive plant produces medium to large ears with 16-20 rows of pale yellow kernels. It has been a home gardener favorite since its introduction in 1848, known for maintaining eating quality longer than many other varieties.
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Example Corn, Stowell's Evergreen timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Corn, Stowell's Evergreen
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 Corn, Stowell's Evergreen
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Corn, Stowell's Evergreen dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; grows best in zones 4-8 with warm summer temperatures
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Get my Corn, Stowell's Evergreen timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Emergence
7-14 daysSeeds sprout and first leaves emerge above soil. Plant develops initial root system.
Keep soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings if necessary to proper spacing. Ensure warm soil (65-75°F minimum) for good germination.
Vegetative Growth
30-40 daysPlant grows rapidly, producing 8-10 leaves. Height reaches 2-3 feet. Root system develops deeply.
Apply nitrogen fertilizer at V4-V6 stage (4-6 leaves visible). Water consistently. Watch for early pests. Thin to final spacing if not done earlier.
Tassel & Silk Emergence
10-15 daysMale tassel appears at plant top. Female silks emerge from ear husks. Plant reaches 6-8 feet tall.
This is the most critical watering period. Maintain 1-1.5 inches weekly. Ensure pollen transfer for kernel development. Watch for corn ear worms.
Kernel Development & Milk Stage
15-25 daysSilks brown and dry. Kernels fill with milky fluid when punctured. Ears reach full size.
Continue consistent watering. Monitor for mature stage starting at 20 days after silk emergence. Harvest when kernels are plump and release milky liquid.
Maturity & Harvest
Variable based on harvest timingKernels become starchy and doughy. Silks completely brown and dry. Ears bend downward.
Harvest for sweet corn at milk stage (before dough stage). For seed saving, allow to fully mature and harden. Post-harvest handling is crucial for maintaining sweetness.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Plant pollen-shed date varieties to encourage natural predation. Hand-pick worms from ear tips. Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) at silk emergence. Use oil injections into ear tips.
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Remove and destroy infested stalks. Plant resistant varieties. Apply Bt sprays. Till soil deeply in fall to destroy overwintering pupae.
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Handpick larger larvae. Apply Bt for early infestations. Maintain good garden sanitation. Encourage beneficial insects.
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Spray with water to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap if severe. Maintain adequate watering to reduce stress.
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Spray with strong water stream. Use insecticidal soap. Plant beneficial insect-attracting flowers nearby.
Uses
Fresh eating and cooking
CulinaryStowell's Evergreen is prized as a table corn, boiled or grilled fresh on the cob. The tender kernels maintain their crisp texture and natural sweetness when harvested at the milk stage. [source]
Freezing and preservation
CulinaryThis variety freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for preserving the harvest. Blanch, cut kernels from cob, and freeze for winter use. [source]
Animal feed and ornamental use
HouseholdMature stalks and kernels can be used for livestock feed or poultry. The tall plants also serve as natural screens or ornamental elements in the garden. [source]
Corn silk tea
MedicinalTraditional remedy from corn silk (stigmas) used in herbal medicine to support urinary health and reduce inflammation. [source]
Fall decorations and seed saving
CraftMature ears with colorful husks make attractive fall decorations. This open-pollinated heirloom variety is excellent for seed saving to replant next season. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when silks are brown and dry (about 20 days after silk emergence) and kernels release milky liquid when punctured. Peak sweetness occurs in early morning. Ears should feel firm and full. Husks should be bright green and tightly wrapped. After harvest, chill immediately and use within 1-2 days for maximum sweetness, as sugars convert to starch rapidly at room temperature.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Stowell's Evergreen was introduced in 1848 by Nathaniel Stowell and has remained virtually unchanged for over 170 years, making it one of the longest-lived vegetable varieties in continuous cultivation.
- 🌱 The name 'Evergreen' refers to the variety's ability to maintain its milk stage kernel quality longer than many other sweet corn varieties—kernels remain tender and sweet for a longer harvest window.
- 🌱 Corn is a heavy feeder and a moisture-hungry plant; a single ear can use up to 54 gallons of water during its growing season, with peak water demands occurring during tassel and silk emergence.
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