How to Grow Sundance Bicolor Corn
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Sundance Bicolor Corn
Zea mays
vegetableSundance Bicolor is a hybrid sweet corn variety that produces ears with a striking combination of yellow and white kernels. Known for its excellent sweet flavor and tender texture, it's a popular choice for home gardeners and farmers. The plants typically reach 6-7 feet tall and mature relatively early compared to other bicolor varieties.
When should you plant Sundance Bicolor Corn in your zone?
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Example Sundance Bicolor Corn timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Sundance 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 Sundance Bicolor Corn
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Sundance Bicolor Corn dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with adequate water in warmer regions
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksKernels sprout within 7-10 days; seedlings emerge with two narrow leaves
Ensure consistent soil moisture and warmth (65-75°F); thin to proper spacing once plants are 3-4 inches tall; plant in blocks to aid cross-pollination
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlants grow rapidly, developing 8-12 true leaves; root system expands; plants reach 2-3 feet tall
Apply nitrogen fertilizer when plants are 12-18 inches tall; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; side-dress with compost; monitor for pests
Flowering & Silking
2-3 weeksTassels appear at plant top; silks emerge from ear shanks shortly after; plants reach 5-7 feet; pollen is released
Maintain consistent, deep watering (critical period); avoid drought stress; ensure adequate spacing for air circulation; monitor for corn smut and rust
Kernel Fill & Maturation
2-3 weeksSilks dry and brown; kernels fill with starch and sugar; ears reach full size; husks turn papery
Continue consistent watering; reduce nitrogen to avoid extended growth; watch for signs of ear worm damage; maintain pest vigilance
Harvest-Ready
3-5 days windowKernels are plump and milky; silks are completely brown and dry; husks are tight and green
Check ears regularly by pulling back husk to examine kernels; harvest in early morning for best sweetness and tenderness; use immediately or refrigerate
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Plant trap crops (sunflowers); use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray at silk stage; hand-pick damaged ears; encourage beneficial parasitic wasps
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Remove and destroy crop residue; use Bt sprays early in season; plant resistant varieties; encourage natural predators
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Remove infected galls before they release spores; improve air circulation; avoid excessive nitrogen; plant disease-resistant varieties
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Use Bt sprays; hand-pick; encourage predatory beetles; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps; mulch to attract beneficial insects
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Plant resistant varieties; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators; avoid broad-spectrum pesticides
Uses
Fresh Boiled or Grilled Corn
CulinarySundance Bicolor's tender kernels and excellent sugar content make it ideal for fresh eating. The bicolor kernel arrangement provides visual appeal on the cob or in dishes. [source]
Corn Salads & Raw Applications
CulinaryThe sweet, tender kernels work beautifully in fresh corn salads, salsas, and raw applications, providing crunch and natural sweetness without cooking. [source]
Freezing & Preservation
CulinarySundance Bicolor freezes exceptionally well; blanch and cut kernels from the cob for long-term storage, retaining flavor and texture for winter cooking. [source]
Garden Pollinator Support
WildlifeCorn tassels and silks provide pollen for bees and beneficial insects; the tall plants offer structure that attracts pollinators and supports garden biodiversity. [source]
Cornmeal & Dried Corn Products
HouseholdWhile sweeter varieties are less ideal than field corn for grinding, dried Sundance Bicolor kernels can be ground into flour or meal for specialty baking. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest when silks turn dark brown and kernels are plump and filled; squeeze husk—kernel should emit milky juice when punctured. Optimal window is 20-24 days after silking emerges. Pick in early morning for best sweetness. Twist ear downward at 45° angle and snap from stalk. Refrigerate immediately; best eaten within 1-2 days of harvest for peak sweetness.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Sundance Bicolor gets its name from its dual yellow and white kernel colors, which create a striking aesthetic similar to a sunset. The bicolor trait is genetically controlled, allowing both kernel types to mature simultaneously on the same ear.
- 🌱 Corn is a heavy feeder and can deplete soil nitrogen; indigenous farming practices paired corn with beans and squash (the 'Three Sisters'), where beans naturally fix nitrogen to replenish the soil.
- 🌱 Sweet corn kernels contain roughly 20% sugar content at peak maturity, compared to only 3-5% in field corn varieties. The sugar content drops significantly within hours of harvest as enzymes begin converting sugar to starch, which is why fresh-picked corn tastes dramatically better than grocery store varieties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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