Country Gentleman

Thursday, 17 September 2009 12:57

A very old sweet corn variety.  Ears reach about seven inches with irregular rows of white, sweet, shoe peg-shaped kernels. The kernels are unusual - they are arranged in a zig zag pattern, not in the usual 'row' pattern as seen in most corns. Introduced in 1890 by Frank C. Woodruff of S. D. Woodruff & Sons, Orange, Connecticut and the following year by Peter Henderson & Co. of New York. This heirloom is known as shoepeg corn in The South. The kernels are also very deep and narrow, hence its alternate name "Shoe-peg". It has an irregular pattern of creamy white, slender kernels and is widely regarded as one of the finest roasting varieties available. Master fishermen find it makes a superior corn bait. Growing to 8 feet tall and multi-tillered, it often produces 3 ears per plant, each 7 inches long. A long season corn. Very tasty and excellent for making cream corn. Harvest the ears when the husks are dark green and the silks are brown but not brittle. Corn is usually ready 3 weeks after silks appear. Days to Maturity: 90-96 When to Sow Outside: Spring, a week or two after last average frost date. When to Sow Inside: Corn does not transplant well and should not be started indoors. Seed Depth: 1" Seed Spacing: 6 Row Spacing: 2' to 3' Days to Emerge: 5 to 10 Thinning: When 4" tall thin to 1' apart. Go to table of corn varieties