Corn Seeds

Grow your own corn to enjoy for summer BBQs

22 products

We’re Signers of the Safe Seed Pledge!

All of our Peaceful Valley brand vegetable seed packs are CCOF & USDA Certified Organic, in addition to being Non-GMO and Open-Pollinated (with the exception of hybrid seeds).

All Peaceful Valley brand seeds are

Guaranteed To Germinate

Terms & Restrictions Apply

Corn Seeds - Grow Organic

Growing Organic Corn from Seed: A Comprehensive Guide

Corn is a beloved staple of summertime meals, known for its tender, juicy kernels and sweet flavor. Growing your own non-GMO corn at home can be a rewarding way to enjoy truly fresh, healthy produce. While cultivating sweet corn can be labor intensive, especially when it comes to maintaining proper spacing and watering, the results are worth it. Whether you're adding fresh kernels to a summer stir fry or enjoying them straight off the cob, homegrown corn offers unbeatable taste and nutrition. Using organic corn seeds ensures a sustainable and chemical-free approach to gardening. As the silks emerge, successful cross-pollination becomes key to full ear development. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through how to grow sweet corn in well-drained soil and refer you to the high-quality organic corn seeds for sale at GrowOrganic.com to help you start your own organic corn-growing journey.

Choosing the Right Corn Seeds

Selecting the right corn seeds is the first step in growing organic corn successfully. At GrowOrganic.com, you can find a wide variety of organic sweet corn seeds that are free from synthetic pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Look for options that are suited to your specific climate and growing conditions, such as early-season varieties for shorter growing seasons or heat-tolerant varieties for warmer regions.

Preparing the Soil

Drained soil is essential for the healthy growth of corn. Corn plants thrive in well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. Here are the steps to prepare your soil:

  1. Choose a sunny location: Select a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
  2. Test the soil: Conduct a soil test to determine its pH and nutrient levels. Sweet corn prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
  3. Improve soil structure: Amend your soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to enhance its fertility and water retention capabilities.
  4. Ensure proper drainage: Ensure that the soil has good drainage by incorporating organic matter and avoiding areas prone to waterlogging.

Planting Corn Seeds

Now that you have your organic corn seeds and well-prepared soil, it's time to plant. Follow these steps for successful planting:

  1. Timing: Wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 50°F (10°C) before planting corn seeds. This typically occurs in late spring or early summer.
  2. Spacing: Plant corn seeds in rows that are spaced 30-36 inches apart, with each seed placed 9-12 inches apart within the rows.
  3. Depth: Plant the seeds approximately 1-2 inches deep in the soil. Ensure they are adequately covered with soil.
  4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout the growing season. Corn is particularly thirsty during the pollination period.

Cross-Pollination and Corn Varieties

Cross-pollination is a crucial aspect of growing corn, as it ensures the formation of well-filled ears and promotes genetic diversity among your corn plants. Sweet corn varieties are categorized into three main types: standard (su), sugary enhanced (se), and super sweet (sh2). Understanding these categories and their pollination requirements is essential for successful sweet corn cultivation.

  1. Standard (su) varieties: These are the traditional sweet corn varieties that readily cross-pollinate with other standard varieties. Plant them in blocks or groups to encourage cross-pollination, which results in fuller and more uniformly sweet kernels.
  2. Sugary enhanced (se) varieties: Sugary enhanced corn has a higher sugar content and a longer harvest window. While they can still cross-pollinate with standard varieties, they are less likely to do so. Isolating them from other corn types can help maintain their desirable characteristics.
  3. Super sweet (sh2) varieties: Super sweet corn contains extremely high sugar levels and has a different genetic makeup, making it less compatible with standard and sugary enhanced varieties. To prevent cross-pollination, plant super sweet corn at a distance from other corn types or use physical barriers like tassel bags.

Tending to Your Corn Plants

Growing organic corn requires ongoing care to ensure a bountiful harvest. Here are some important care practices:

  1. Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of your corn plants to help retain moisture, control weeds, and maintain consistent soil temperature.
  2. Fertilization: Use organic fertilizers to provide essential nutrients to your corn plants. Side-dress with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer when the plants are knee-high and again when they start to tassel.
  3. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the critical pollination period. Water at the base of the plants to prevent splashing onto the leaves, which can lead to disease.
  4. Pest and disease management: Monitor your corn plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Use organic methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, to manage any issues.
  5. Support: As your corn plants grow, they may need support to prevent them from toppling over in strong winds. Staking or using support cages can help keep your plants upright.

Harvesting Organic Corn

Harvesting corn at the right time is essential to enjoy the best flavor and texture. Here's how to know when your corn is ready for picking:

  1. Appearance: Look for ears that are well-filled, plump, and have fully developed kernels. The silk on the ears should be brown and dry.
  2. Texture: Gently press your thumbnail into a kernel. If the juice is milky and the kernel is tender, it's time to harvest.
  3. Timing: Corn is typically ready for harvest 18-24 days after the appearance of the first silk strands.


Harvest by firmly twisting the ear downward to remove it from the stalk, and enjoy your fresh corn right away for the best flavor. While growing non-GMO corn can be labor intensive, it’s a rewarding process that yields sweet, tender kernels perfect for grilling or adding to a summer stir fry. As the silks emerge, timely pollination is key to a full harvest. Start your journey with high-quality organic corn seeds and proper care to grow delicious, homegrown corn. Explore the full range of organic corn seeds for sale at GrowOrganic.com and enjoy the satisfaction of cultivating this summer favorite in your own garden.

Need some help on how to grow corn?

We have a Growing Guide that is packed full of helpful information along with a video on growing corn. Want to try something different? Watch our video on how to grow corn using the Three Sisters method.

All of our Peaceful Valley brand vegetable seed packs are CCOF & USDA Certified Organic, in addition to being Non-GMO and Open-Pollinated (with the exception of hybrid seeds).

FAQ: Annie's Shrubs & Trees

What is a shrub?

A shrub is a small or mid-sized woody plant, usually rounded in appearance, with multiple stems growing above the ground. They are generally shorter than trees and do not have a single trunk. They come in a variety of shapes, colors, and textures. They can be evergreen (keep their leaves all year) or deciduous (lose their leaves in Winter). We offer many flowering and non-flowering shrub varieties in various different heights and colors.

What is a tree?

A tree is a tall, woody plant usually with a single, elongated stem, often with few branches on its lower half. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer trees that are more suitable for warmer climates. They tend to be smaller, shorter flowering trees which can be used as useful garden accents or for backgrounds. Our offerings will usually reach a decent height within a year.

What do trees and shrubs do for the environment?

Trees and shrubs help the environment by producing oxygen, offering shade from the sun and providing important food and shelter for pollinators and wildlife. They are like nature's air purifiers!

How do I take care of a newly planted tree or shrub?

We offer instructions for each shrub and tree that we offer. Their care depends upon your climate and growing conditions. Generally, newly planted trees and shrubs require regular watering until they are established. As it grows, trim or prune any dead or unwanted branches to help it stay healthy. The time for proper tree or shrub pruning depends upon the climate and the type of tree. Some should be pruned while they are dormant, in winter or early spring. Make sure not to prune in wet weather to avoid disease. If you live in a cooler area, you can also add mulch around the base (3 to 5 inches from the trunk) to keep the soil moist and protect the roots.

Can trees and shrubs make a garden more beautiful?

Yes, definitely! Trees and shrubs provide a focal point and add balance to a garden. They contribute vibrant greenery, color, height, and texture to any landscape. They can also provide shade, privacy, and vibrant blooms or fruits.

What kinds of trees and shrubs grow quickly?

Some common trees or shrubs that grow quickly are willow trees or forsythia shrubs. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer more unusual, hard-to-find varieties of trees and shrubs. Our selection also focuses on smaller, warmer climate trees that will usually reach a decent height within a year. Some of our favorite options are impatiens, echiums, certain roses (rosa), sages (salvias).

Do trees and shrubs need special care in the winter?

Yes, they do. In the winter, make sure to water them when the ground isn't frozen. You can also wrap young trees to protect them from the cold.

Can trees and shrubs attract birds and butterflies to my garden?

Absolutely! Trees and shrubs with flowers and berries provide an important source of food for pollinators – They are like magnets for birds and butterflies. They can also provide shade and shelter, making your garden a favorite spot for these important pollinators.

How can I choose the right tree or shrub for my garden?

To pick the perfect tree or shrub, think about your garden's size, the climate, soil type, and the amount of sun it gets. Consider what kind of aesthetic you want for your garden – such as colorful blooms or different color leaves.

How long can trees and shrubs live?

Trees and shrubs can have long lives with proper conditions and care.

What are some suggestions for deer-resistant shrubs and trees?

At Annie’s, we offer hundreds of deer resistant shrubs and trees. Some of our favorites are brugmansias, butterfly bushes (buddlejas), California lilac (Ceanothus), echiums, impatiens, lavandulas (lavender), ribes, mimulus, certain sages (Salvia), and yuccas.

Do you have California native trees and shrubs?

Yes! We have a wide selection of California native shrubs and trees that are perfectly suited to their particular environment, thereby reducing the need for water and fertilizer and attracting the greatest numbers of local pollinators and wildlife. We offer one of the largest selections of California natives found anywhere.

What are the different types of trees?

1. There are many types of trees. Some are tall and straight, like the oak and maple. Others, like the willow and palm, have long, graceful leaves that sway in the wind.

2. You can also find deciduous or evergreen trees, such as fir and pine trees, with needles or leaves that stay green all year.

3. Each type of tree has its unique shape, foliage and color, making our forests and gardens diverse and beautiful. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer both deciduous and evergreen trees. Our offerings are mostly flowering, smaller in stature and reach a decent height within a year.

What are the different common types of shrubs?

1. Rose Bushes are valued for their beautiful and sometimes fragrant flowers. They come in a variety of colors and are popular in gardens for their elegance and old-fashioned charm. They are the queens of the cottage garden! At Annie’s, we offer roses in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and fragrances. Some of our favorites are shrub roses like Rosa ‘Carefree Delight’ or hybrid shrub roses like Rosa ‘Golden Celebration’ and Rosa ‘Grandmother’s Hat’.

2. Azaleas are valuable for their vibrant, showy flowers that bloom in various colors, including pink, white, and purple.

3. Boxwood Shrubs are evergreen and have dense, dark green foliage. They are useful for hedges and topiaries.

4. Lilacs produce clusters of fragrant, springtime blooms in shades of purple, pink, and white.

5. Hydrangeas are popular for their large, rounded flower heads. They come in various colors, depending on the soil ph. At Annie’s we have more unusual offerings like Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' and Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee'.

6. Forsythia are among the first to bloom in spring, with bright yellow flowers.

7. Rhododendrons produce large, showy flowers in a range of colors and are popular in landscapes.

8. Juniper Shrubs are evergreen shrubs with needle-like leaves and produce small, berry-like cones.

9. Mock Orange (Philadelphus) has fragrant white flowers that resemble orange blossoms, giving them their name. We have several favorites: mock orange (Philadelphus 'Belle Etoile'), Mexican mock orange (Philadelphus mexicanus ‘Flore Plena’), and wild mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii).

10. Camellias are valued for their large, waxy flowers. that come in various colors and bloom in late winter or early spring.

11. Butterfly Bushes (Buddleja) are popular for attracting pollinators with their long, cone-shaped flower clusters. They will make your garden a butterfly magnet!! We offer many different sizes and colors and some of our favorites are Buddleja davidii ‘Ellen’s Blue’, Buddleja davidii ‘Hot Raspberry’, and Buddleja 'Grand Cascade'.

12. Holly Shrubs are evergreen and produce red berries that are iconic during the holiday season.

13. Euonymus have colorful foliage, with varieties that include red, green, or gold leaves.

14. Privet are popular for hedges due to their dense foliage and fast growth.

15. Burning Bush are famous for their vibrant red fall foliage.

16. Spiraea produce clusters of small, delicate flowers and are useful in landscaping.