Corn plants are one of the most widely grown crops in the world. Corn is used for food, feed, fuel, and many other products. We often see corn as a canned good, popcorn, or sometimes as corn on the cob.
There are two main types of corn plants: sweet corn and field corn.
However, the world of corn is a broad one and there is little we know about the diversity of corn plants and the widely cultivated varieties of hybrid varieties and super sweet corn.
To give you an idea of the amazing varieties of corn plants on offer around the world, we’ll share a list of some of the best types of corn.
This article will help you to understand what makes each type unique and how it can be used in your garden or farm.
1. Silver Queen
The Silver Queen is sweet corn that has been bred specifically to produce large ears of about 8″ long with bright yellow kernels.
This plant is considered to be very easy to grow. The plant grows tall and produces lots of leaves which means it requires less water than other varieties.
This variety is great for growing in containers because it doesn’t need staking. You can even buy seedlings from specialist nurseries if you don’t have room for a full-sized crop.
This variety is hardy and tolerant to frost so it can survive temperatures down to -15°C (-5°F). It’s also resistant to diseases such as Fusarium wilt and leaf blight.
2. Seneca Chief Corn
This variety is another popular choice among growers looking for a high-yielding corn plant. Seneca chief corn has dark green leaves and produces large ears of up to 8″ long.
These ears contain plenty of sugar and starch making them perfect for cooking as it provides a distinctly sweet flavor.
The plant is relatively easy to grow and needs only moderate amounts of water. However, it is known to start producing after 80 days.
It’s also frost tolerant and can withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F) but won’t tolerate temperatures below -10°C (-14°F). Like the Silver Queen, this variety is also resistant to Fusarium wilt.
3. Utopia Corn
If you’re looking for a corn plant that produces big ears of delicious sweet corn then Utopia may be just what you’re looking for.
This variety has a compact growth habit and produces large ears 8 to 9″ long. The plant is recognized for its tender and sweet flavor.
The utopia corn plant is classified as a hybrid between the Silver Queen and the Seneca Chief.
The utopia corn plant is considered to be a hardy plant as it is highly tolerant to stress.
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4. Sugar Dots Corn
Sugar dots corn is unique bi-colored corn that produces a rich and sweet flavor as it contains a high sugar content.
The Sugar dots corn plant is a heat-tolerant variety that can withstand temperatures of up to 30°C (86°F). Sugar dots corn can be harvested after about 80 to 90 days.
It is characterized as a vigorously growing plant that thrives in the right conditions. It is also resistant to drought and insects.
5. Earlivee Corn
The Earlivee corn plant produces large ears of 7 to 8″ long and has a distinctive sweet taste. It is classified as one of the most vigorously growing corn plants as it matures within 60 days.
This corn plant tends to grow around 5 ft tall. The Earlivee corn plant is also considered to have good disease resistance.
6. Golden Bantam Corn
The golden bantam corn plant is characterized as a slow-growing plant that produces medium-sized ears of 6 to 7″ long.
The plant is known to mature around 80 days after planting. Golden bantam corn is a vigorous plant that can cope with low light levels and can thrive in cooler conditions.
It is also resistant against common pests like aphids and caterpillars. The golden bantam corn is recognized for producing a sweet and deep flavor.
7. True Platinum Corn
Scientifically known as Poaceae Zea Mays, the true platinum corn produces large ears of 8″ long.
The corn from this plant is recognized for its sweet and tender flavor and distinct bright white kernels that are contained in a unique purple husk.
True platinum corn is resistant to diseases such as powdery mildew. However, it is considered to be a relatively tolerant and resistant plant to varying climatic conditions such as drought.
8. Seneca Horizon Corn
The Seneca horizon corn plant is a vigorous plant that has a high growth rate and produces significantly large ears 12 to 14″ long.
The plant requires little maintenance and can withstand harsh temperatures as it is hardy and tolerant to cold weather conditions.
The plant is also resistant to diseases such as rust and powdery mildew. The Seneca horizon corn plant can produce up to 4 ears per stalk which makes harvesting easier. This plant can grow up to 10 ft tall.
9. Stowell’s Corn
The Stowell’s corn plant takes a relatively long time to mature as it can be harvested around 90 to 100 days.
Stowell’s corn is a fast-growing corn plant that can tolerate hot weather conditions. It is also very tolerant of drought and insects.
Stowell’s corn produces thick and plump kernels that are sweet and juicy in flavor and texture.
The Stowell’s plant thrives in warmer environments and requires plenty of sunlight. The corn produced by this plant has distinct white kernels.
10. Sweet Riser Corn
The sweet riser corn plant is a cultivated species of sweet corn. This plant can grow up to 8 ft tall and is known to reach early maturity at around 40 days.
Sweet riser corn is a vigorous plant and can withstand extreme temperatures. The plant is also highly resistant to pests such as aphids and mites.
It is also known to produce sweet and tender golden and white kernels.
11. Sweet Ice Corn
Sweet ice corn is a cultivated variety of corn that is also commonly known as Harris Moran corn which derives from its cultivator.
Sweet ice corn is recognized for its distinct white kernels and strongly defined ears. Its ears can be as long as 8″.
The plant is also known for its high resistance to pests and diseases. The plant is also known to have excellent tolerance to heat and drought.
The sweet ice corn plant matures after 74 days. This plant is considered to have a high yield and is relatively easy to grow.
12. Double Delicious Hybrid Corn
This double delicious hybrid corn is a cross between two other varieties of corn plants namely the Silver Queen corn and the double delight corn.
The double delicious hybrid corn is characterized by having a distinctive yellow color on the ear cap and a creamy-colored kernel inside.
The double delicious hybrid corn is recognized for its rich sweet flavor and juicy kernels. Its ears are relatively large, growing to 9″.
This corn plant is known to be extremely tolerant to heat and drought and can thrive in cold soil. This plant is known to mature after around 80 days.
13. Temptation Corn
The temptation corn plant is a corn plant with a unique appearance with bi-colored kernels. The temptation corn plant has been developed to contain more sugars than normal sweet corn varieties.
The temptation corn plant is classified as a sugar-enhanced variety and hence contains a significantly high sugar content compared to standard sweet corn varieties.
Temptation corn is also known to be very nutritious and healthy. The temptation corn plant matures after 70 days.
14. Whiteout Corn
The whiteout corn plant is an enhanced variety of sweet corn that is characterized by having white kernels and a significantly sweet flavor due to its high sugar content.
This plant grows relatively quickly as it tends to reach maturity around 70 days. Whiteout corn is known to be considerably resistant to disease just as rust, wilt, and leaf blight.
15. Quickie Corn
The quickie corn plant is a corn variety that is grown specifically for harvesting within a short period of time of around 60 days.
The plant is also well suited for use in greenhouses where it can tolerate colder environments.
Quickie corn is known for its high sugar content and sweet flavor. Its ears are relatively large and grow to 10″ long.
16. Indian Summer Corn
The Indian summer corn plant is known for its ability to tolerate hot weather conditions and is able to withstand high humidity levels.
The Indian summer corn is also known to mature relatively quickly in around 70 days. This plant thrives in an environment of rich and well-drained soil and exposure to full sun.
Considered a tolerant plant. The Indian summer corn plant can grow in a variety of soils from sandy soil and even clay.
It is also known to have good resistance to insects and diseases.
17. Krispy King Corn
The Krispy king corn plant is corn with a distinctive sweet taste and texture. The Krispy king corn is classed as a type of popcorn corn that is grown primarily for its crunchy texture.
Krispy king corn is known for being highly nutritious and easy to digest. The Krispy corn plant matures after around 70 days.
This plant is considered to have a long shelf-life and hence is widely commercially cultivated.
The Krispy king corn plant is said to thrive in conditions of full sunlight, moderate temperature, and cool rich, and wet soil.
18. Silver Knight Corn
The silver knight corn plant is corn that has been bred to produce a higher yield per acre. The silver knight corn plant is known to have a distinctively strong flavor and sweetness and white-cream kernels.
The silver knight corn is also known to produce larger ears which are ideal for drying or making popcorn.
Silver knight corn is also known for its high nutritional value and is often used in baby food products. The silver knight corn plants are generally harvested at around 70 days.
19. Iochief Corn
The Iocheif corn plant is corn whose kernels are rounder and bigger than other corn types with ears reaching 9 to 10″.
Iocheif corn is also known to have a sweeter flavor and its golden kernels. The Iocheif corn plant grows faster than most other corn types and is suitable for commercial growing as it is classified as a productive plant.
The Iocheif plant is also known to be relatively disease-resistant. It is best planted on fertile land with a deep layer of organic matter.
20. Vision Corn
The vision corn plant is a corn type that is a cultivated super sweet variety that is considered to be of superior quality to other sweetcorn varieties.
Vision corn is also known to be very crisp and easy to cook. It is also widely grown due to its quick and easy harvest. Vision corn is also resistant to common pests such as corn earworms.
The Vision corn plant is usually harvested when it reaches maturity between 65 and 75 days.
21. Early Extra Sweet
The early extra sweet corn plant is a corn variety that is grown mainly for its sweet taste. Early extra sweet corn tends to be more tender than other corn varieties.
Besides its super sweetness, this cultivated variety of sweetcorn is also recognized by its bright and golden kernels.
This plant is known to thrive in conditions rich and well-drained and exposed to full sunlight.
Takeaway
In conclusion, there are many different types of corn available for you to choose from. If you love eating fresh corn then you may want to look for a corn plant that produces large ears.
If you prefer to eat corn cooked then you could opt for a corn plant that has a longer shelf life.
Additionally, if you want to grow your own corn there are plenty of varieties that are easy to grow and thrive in several conditions.
We hope you learned something from this article, here are other articles that you can learn from:
Corn Plant: The Most Complete Care, Propagation, and Water Guide
