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Maize Stowell's Evergreen
Zea mays
vegetableStowell's Evergreen is a classic sweet corn variety renowned for its tender, milky kernels and exceptional sweetness that remains even after harvest. This heirloom cultivar has been a gardener's favorite since 1848, valued for its extended harvest window and reliable production. The tall stalks reach 7-8 feet and produce large ears with deep yellow kernels and exceptional flavor.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; suitable for all regions with adequate growing season
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Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout within 7-10 days in warm soil. Seedlings emerge with coleoptile (protective sheath) and develop first true leaves.
Ensure soil temperature is at least 60°F (ideally 70°F+). Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 3-4 leaves. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlants rapidly grow taller, developing 6-10 leaves per plant. Aerial prop roots form at the base. Secondary shoots may emerge from lower nodes.
Side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer when plants are 12-18 inches tall. Consider hilling soil around the base for additional support. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Tasseling & Silking
2-3 weeksMale flower (tassel) emerges from the top of the stalk. Female flowers (silks) extrude from developing ears. Pollen is shed for 7-10 days.
Maintain consistent, deep watering during this critical pollination period. Avoid nitrogen excess, which can reduce pollen viability. Scout for pest damage.
Ear Development & Filling
3-4 weeksKernels develop and fill with starch and sugars. Ears reach full size; silks dry and brown from tip. Kernels transition from milk stage to mature stage.
Continue deep watering through the milk stage. Monitor for pest activity, especially corn earworm and aphids. Do not harvest until kernels are in appropriate stage.
Harvest Ready
Variable (2-3 weeks harvesting window)Kernels are plump, milky, and tender; silks are brown and dry. Ears feel full but still have slight give when squeezed.
Harvest ears when kernels are in the milk stage for optimal sweetness and tenderness. For Stowell's Evergreen, this extended window means harvesting can occur over 2-3 weeks.
Common Pests
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Hand-pick infested ears early, apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) to silks, plant trap crops, use pheromone traps, encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps
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Remove affected stalks, apply Bt early season, plant resistant varieties, bury plant debris after harvest, use pheromone traps
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Spray with strong water stream, apply insecticidal soap, use reflective mulch, introduce ladybugs, neem oil applications
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Hand-pick in early morning, use pheromone traps away from patch, apply spinosad, encourage parasitic wasps
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Create protective collars around seedling stems, mulch lightly away from base, apply diatomaceous earth, water early morning to discourage night activity
Uses
Fresh Corn on the Cob
CulinaryStowell's Evergreen is prized for steaming, boiling, or grilling as a fresh vegetable. The exceptionally sweet, tender kernels are best enjoyed within hours of harvest. [source]
Corn Products & Preservation
CulinaryKernels can be preserved through freezing, canning, or drying for use in soups, stews, and corn meal. This variety maintains quality through preservation better than many modern hybrids. [source]
Animal Feed & Stalks
HouseholdDried corn cobs and stalks provide livestock feed and bedding material. The entire plant biomass can be utilized for composting or mulching. [source]
Dried Corn Husks
CraftDried husks can be used for traditional crafts, tamale wrapping, or decorative arrangements. The cobs can be ground for abrasive cleaning products. [source]
Food for Birds & Wildlife
WildlifeCorn left unharvested provides excellent fall and winter food for wild birds, deer, and other wildlife. Dried ears can be hung as supplemental feed. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest when silks have turned brown and dry but ears still feel slightly soft when squeezed. Kernels should be in the milk stage (liquid inside when punctured). Peak sweetness is 18-24 hours after picking. Twist ears downward with a sharp motion, or cut with a knife. For Stowell's Evergreen's extended harvest window, check ears every 1-2 days. Early morning harvest preserves sugars best. Use immediately or refrigerate for longest freshness.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Stowell's Evergreen has been continuously grown since its introduction in 1848, making it one of the longest-cultivated sweet corn varieties. Despite the rise of supersweet hybrids, gardeners still prize it for its superior flavor and dependability.
- 🌱 The 'Evergreen' name refers to the extended harvest window; unlike other varieties, the kernels maintain their sweetness and tenderness over a longer period, remaining in the optimal milk stage for 2-3 weeks.
- 🌱 Corn is a heavy feeder that depletes soil nitrogen; many gardeners follow corn with nitrogen-fixing legumes (beans or peas) the next season, a practice dating back to Native American agriculture and the 'Three Sisters' companion planting system.
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