How to Grow Minnesota 13 Corn
Minnesota 13 Corn
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vegetableMinnesota 13 is a classic open-pollinated sweet corn variety developed at the University of Minnesota, known for its excellent flavor and cold tolerance. This heirloom cultivar produces medium-sized ears with tender, sweet kernels and remains a favorite among home gardeners in northern climates. It matures reliably in short growing seasons and stores well for winter enjoyment.
When should you plant Minnesota 13 Corn in your zone?
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Example Minnesota 13 Corn timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Minnesota 13 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 Minnesota 13 Corn
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Minnesota 13 Corn dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-6, exceptionally cold-hardy for northern gardens
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout in 7-10 days in warm soil. Seedlings emerge with characteristic leaf unfurling, reaching 4-6 inches within 2-3 weeks.
Ensure soil temperature is at least 60°F (ideally 65-75°F). Thin to proper spacing once plants have 3-4 true leaves. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops 8-12 leaves, growing 2-3 feet tall. Root system strengthens and lateral branches form. Plant becomes established and vigorous.
Apply side dressing of nitrogen fertilizer when plants reach 12-18 inches tall. Remove any weeds competing for nutrients. Watch for early pest damage.
Tasseling & Silking
1-2 weeksMale tassel emerges from the top of the plant (around 60-70 days). Female silks emerge from ear husks approximately 3-5 days later. This is the critical pollination stage.
Maintain consistent, deep watering—this is the most water-critical stage. Ensure adequate spacing for pollen distribution. Avoid heavy nitrogen applications that delay flowering.
Ear Development & Filling
2-3 weeksSilks brown and dry as kernels fill from base to tip. Ears reach full size and kernels develop characteristic sweet taste as sugars accumulate.
Continue consistent watering. Kernels should press milk when dented with fingernail. Monitor for late-season pests. Do not strip leaves prematurely.
Harvest Ready
Harvest window: 3-7 daysSilks are completely brown and dry. Kernels are plump and milky when squeezed. Husks are bright green and tightly wrapped around mature ears.
Harvest ears when silks are dark brown but husks still green. For best flavor, pick in early morning and use within hours of harvest. Listen for slight 'pop' sound when husks are pulled back.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Plant resistant varieties, remove affected plant parts, use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray, maintain garden sanitation
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Apply Bt spray at silking stage, remove affected ears, encourage beneficial insects, hand-pick larvae
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, encourage ladybugs, neem oil application
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Hand-pick early morning, use row covers until flowering, apply neem oil, encourage natural predators
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Apply Bt spray, remove affected plant material, encourage beneficial insects, use pheromone traps
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Remove galls before they burst, improve air circulation, avoid excess nitrogen, practice crop rotation
Uses
Fresh Eating & Cooking
CulinaryMinnesota 13 produces sweet, tender kernels ideal for boiling, grilling, or raw consumption. The superior flavor and tender texture make it a premium choice for fresh eating, and it maintains quality well after freezing. [source]
Canning & Preservation
CulinaryThis variety is excellent for home canning, freezing, and long-term storage due to its dense kernel structure and high sugar content. Kernels retain quality through winter storage methods. [source]
Drying for Popcorn
CulinaryMinnesota 13 can be allowed to fully mature and dry on the plant, then stored for popping. Dried kernels provide a traditional, whole-grain snack with excellent nutritional profile. [source]
Seasonal & Winter Food Security
HouseholdAs an heirloom open-pollinated variety, Minnesota 13 was specifically bred for cold climates and short seasons, allowing northern gardeners reliable fresh corn production and storage for winter use. [source]
Dried Cob & Husk Uses
CraftDried corn cobs and husks can be used for craft projects, mulch, or animal bedding. The natural materials are biodegradable and useful for sustainable homesteading. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest when silks are completely brown and kernels squirt milky liquid when pressed. Ears should feel full but not hard. Pick in early morning for best sweetness and texture. Hold stalk firmly while pulling ear downward with a twist. Minnesota 13 is excellent for fresh eating, canning, and freezing. Can be left to dry on the plant for storage or popcorn-style use.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Minnesota 13 was developed by the University of Minnesota in the early 20th century specifically to thrive in short northern growing seasons, making it one of the most cold-hardy sweet corn varieties available.
- 🌱 This is a true open-pollinated heirloom variety, meaning gardeners can save seeds from their harvest to plant the following year, preserving genetic diversity and local adaptation.
- 🌱 Minnesota 13 has a slightly flatter, less sugary profile than modern hybrid sweet corns, making it preferred by many heritage gardeners who appreciate its authentic 'corn' flavor over the candy-like taste of newer varieties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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