Corn Seeds

Grow your own corn to enjoy for summer BBQs

22 products

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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

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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).

FAQs: Annie's Perennials

What are perennial plants?

Perennial plants live for more than two growing seasons. If properly cared for, they will return year after year with consistent bloom times to add color and diversity to your garden.

What is the difference between annuals and perennials?

The key difference between annuals and perennials is their lifespan. Annuals live for one growing season, although some of our annual plants do re-seed, thereby prolonging their benefits past a single season. Perennial plants and perennial flowers persist for several years, returning year after year, every growing season. Another difference is that true annuals will bloom throughout the entire season; whereas, perennials may bloom intermittently during or between seasons.

What are the benefits of growing perennials?

Perennial plants and flowers provide lasting beauty and structure to your garden. They have specific seasonal bloom times that remain consistent year after year, ensuring vibrant color for your garden throughout the seasons. Perennials also contribute to biodiversity and help the overall environment. Their deep root systems help prevent soil erosion and retain nutrients, while also sequestering carbon. Planting lots of different perennials with varied bloom times ensures consistent, reliable food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial wildlife.

When should I buy perennials to plant?

The ideal time to plant perennials is spring or early fall. This allows them to establish their root system before extreme weather.

How do I care for perennial plants?

In general, Perennials need watering, occasional fertilization, and deadheading to encourage repeat blooming. The specific care needs can vary by type. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer many native and low water, low-maintenance perennials to make planting and caring for them easy. We want to make gardening success attainable for everyone.

Can you plant perennials in pots or containers?

Yes! We have hundreds of perennial plants that work well in containers as well as in garden beds. Just make sure your pot size is adequate for the root system of your particular plant.

Do perennials require full sun?

Some perennials prefer full sun, which typically means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Other varieties require full or partial shade. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer you many options for both shade and sun plants to fit every gardening need.

Do perennials attract pollinators and wildlife?

Yes! Perennials, with their reliable bloom times, are valuable additions to a pollinator-friendly garden. They provide consistent food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other beneficial wildlife. Planting many different perennials with varied bloom times will attract and feed pollinators throughout all of the seasons.

What are some popular perennial flowers?

Some common perennials include <strong>Yarrow</strong> (Achillea millefolium), </strong>African daisies</strong> (Arctotis) </strong>Butterfly Bush</strong> (Buddleja davidii), <strong>Campanula, Dahlia, Delphiniums, Peonies (Paeonia), Roses (Rosa), Irises, and Coneflowers</strong> (Echinacea). At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer almost hundreds and hundreds of popular perennials – like the ones previously mentioned, along with more unusual and hard-to-find varieties.

At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we also offer many more perennials that are quite unusual and hard to find

What are hardy perennials?

Hardy perennials are perennial plants that grow for multiple seasons and can survive very cold weather in their growing zones. For this reason, hardy perennial plants are the perfect plant selection for any garden.

Do perennials come back every year?

Yes, if planted and cared for properly, perennials will return year after year. At Annie’s, we offer hundreds of perennials that are perfect beginner plants– easy to grow and easy to care for - so everyone can garden successfully.

What are different types of perennials?

Flowering Perennials: Are known for vibrant, consistent and long-lasting blooms. Examples include peonies (Paenonia), roses (Rosa), coneflowers (Echinaea), Abutilon, Alstroemeria, african daisy (Arctotis), foxglove (Digitalis pupurea), carnations (dianthus), geraniums, sages (Salvia), Strawflowers (helichrysum bracteatum), hollyhocks and impatiens, among many others.

Foliage Perennials: Are known for their striking, colorful foliage. Hostas, heucheras, and ornamental grasses are some common varieties.

Shade-Loving Perennials: Thrive in low-light or partial shade conditions. Examples include astilbes, ferns, and bleeding hearts (dicentras). Some of our favorite shade perennials at Annie’s are Begonias, Fuchsias, Sedges, Hellebores, Heucheras, and Impatiens.

Sun-loving perennials: Thrive in full sun conditions (meaning full sun for at least 6 hours per day). Some common examples of sun-loving perennials are lavender (Lavandula), sage (Salvia), African daisy (Arctotis), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium). At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer almost one thousand sun-loving perennials – like the ones previously mentioned along with more unusual and hard-to-find varieties.

Herbaceous Perennials: These are perennial plants that die back to the ground each Fall or Winter, but whose roots remain alive and send up new growth and reemerge in the Spring or Summer. They include a variety of flowers and foliage, like columbines (Aquilegia), delphiniums, foxglove (Digitalis pupurea), and Iris.

Woody Perennials: These are shrubs and small trees that persist for many years, bringing useful structure and seasonal blooms to your garden. Examples include hydrangeas, California lilac (Ceanothus), fuchsias, and butterfly bushes (Buddleja).

Native Perennials: are well-suited to specific regions and often need less maintenance and human intervention. California native plant species might include yarrow (Achillea), California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), milkweed (Asclepias), monkey flowers (Mimulus), and some sages (Salvias), depending on your location. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer one of the largest selections of CA native perennials to be found anywhere.

Long-Blooming Perennials: Have extended blooming periods and can include varieties like Alstroemeria, Abutilon (Flowering Maples), African daisies (Actotis), Agastache, coreopsis, yarrow (Achillea), and sages (Salvias).

Drought-Tolerant Perennials: Can withstand periods of dry conditions and need less watering. Examples include lavender (Lavandula), yarrow (Achillea), sedum (stonecrop), Agastache, Aloe, milkweed (Asclepias), and some sages (Salvias).

Deer-resistant Perennials: Have characteristics that make them less appealing to deer. Options include yarrow (Achillea), lambs' ears (Stachys byzantine), Agastache, and some ornamental sages (Salvia).

Perennial Bulbs: Some perennials grow from bulbs, including favorites like tulips, daffodils, freesias, ranunculus, and irises. They return year after year, adding color to your garden each spring.

Climbing Perennials: Perennial vines like clematis and wisteria add vertical interest to your garden, climbing trellises, arbors, and fences.