How to Grow Peaches and Cream Corn
Wikimedia Commons
Peaches and Cream Corn
Zea mays var. saccharata
vegetablePeaches and Cream is a bicolor sweet corn variety with creamy white and golden yellow kernels that mature simultaneously, offering a unique visual appeal and sweet flavor. This open-pollinated heirloom variety reaches 6-8 feet tall and produces dual-colored ears that are perfect for fresh eating and cooking. The combination of colors makes it as attractive as it is delicious.
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Example Peaches and Cream Corn timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Peaches and Cream 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 Peaches and Cream Corn
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; grows best with warm soil temperatures of 70°F or higher
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Germination & Seedling
10-14 daysSeeds sprout within 7-10 days; seedlings emerge with characteristic corn leaves
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; ensure soil temperature is at least 60°F, ideally 70°F+. Thin seedlings if crowded to proper spacing.
Vegetative Growth
4-5 weeksPlant develops leaves and a strong root system; rapid height increase as plant establishes
Water regularly and deeply. Apply mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer at 4-6 weeks for vigorous growth.
Tassel & Silking
2-3 weeksMale tassel emerges from top of plant; female silks appear at ear nodes, both feathery and golden
This is the most critical stage for water consistency. Maintain 1-2 inches of water per week to ensure pollination and kernel development. Do not let soil dry out.
Grain Fill
3-4 weeksKernels develop and fill with sugars; the distinctive bicolor pattern becomes visible with cream and golden kernels
Continue consistent watering. Kernels should milk when pressed. This stage is crucial for sugar content and bicolor development.
Harvest Ready
Peak harvest window is 2-3 days; eat fresh for best flavorKernels reach full plumpness; husks are still green; bicolor pattern is fully developed and vibrant
Check for harvest readiness by pushing a kernel to see milky liquid; harvest when kernels are full but before they become starchy
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray weekly starting when silks appear. Use pheromone traps to monitor populations. Pick off visible worms.
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Spray Bt on stems and leaf axils when larvae are young. Remove and destroy infested plant material. Plant early to avoid peak pest pressure.
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Avoid planting in cool, wet soil. Use reflective mulches. Treat seeds with beneficial nematodes if historically problematic.
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Scout regularly for small moths and egg clusters. Apply Bt when caterpillars are small. Remove and destroy heavily infested plants.
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Spray with water to dislodge. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is heavy. Ensure adequate watering to reduce plant stress.
Uses
Fresh eating and cooking
CulinaryPeaches and Cream corn is prized for its exceptional sweetness and tender kernels when eaten fresh on the cob or cut from the cob. The bicolor kernels add visual appeal to salads, salsas, and side dishes. [source]
Canning and freezing
CulinaryThe kernels freeze exceptionally well, retaining sweetness and texture. Can be blanched and frozen for winter use or preserved through canning. [source]
Ornamental garden feature
HouseholdThe striking bicolor ears make Peaches and Cream a visually attractive addition to vegetable gardens and fall decorative displays. Often used in autumn arrangements. [source]
Wildlife food source
WildlifeMature dried ears provide excellent food for birds and small mammals in fall and winter. Leaving some ears unharvested supports pollinators and wildlife. [source]
Cornmeal and flour production
CulinaryDried mature kernels can be ground into cornmeal or flour for baking and cooking, though this variety is primarily bred for fresh eating. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest when ears are full and kernels release milky liquid when pressed with a fingernail, typically 20 days after silking appears. The silks should be dark brown. Twist and pull ears downward at a slight angle. Harvest in early morning for best sweetness. Eat immediately or refrigerate; sugar converts to starch quickly, so use within 1-2 days for peak flavor.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Peaches and Cream is an heirloom open-pollinated variety, meaning you can save seeds from your best plants to grow next year—the plants will breed true to the bicolor phenotype.
- 🌱 The unique two-tone coloring comes from genetic factors that allow both creamy white and golden yellow pigments to develop simultaneously, creating a corn that looks like a work of art.
- 🌱 Sweet corn has a recessive gene that prevents starches from converting to sugars, making the kernels remain sweet longer than field corn varieties—this is what makes eating it fresh so rewarding.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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