Enjoy rich flavor with Golden Bantam Sweetcorn—a classic heirloom variety introduced in 1902. This golden-yellow beauty produces 7″ ears bursting with old-fashioned sweetness and is beloved by home gardeners for its reliability, hardiness, and taste.

Propagation from Seed

Golden Bantam is easy to grow and well-suited for temperate climates:

• Sowing Time: Direct sow in late spring, once soil reaches 15°C+ (59°F)
• Sowing Depth: 2–3 cm
• Spacing: 20–30 cm between plants, in blocks (not rows) for good pollination
• Germination: 7–14 days at 18–24°C
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture
• Light: Full sun

Corn thrives in warm weather—ensure consistent watering during tasseling and cob formation.

Culinary Use

Golden Bantam is known for its sweet, full-bodied flavor:

• Fresh Eating: Enjoy straight from the garden—best when just picked
• Boiled or Grilled: Enhances its deep, buttery taste
• Freezing: Excellent for preserving flavor through winter

Harvest when silks are brown and ears feel full—perfect timing ensures peak sweetness.

Horticultural Points (Facts)

• Botanical Name: Zea mays ‘Golden Bantam’
• Type: Heirloom sweetcorn
• Introduced: 1902
• Days to Maturity: 78–85 days
• Ear Size: 18 cm (7 inches)
• Kernel Color: Golden yellow
• Plant Height: Approx. 1.5–2 meters
• Pollination: Wind-pollinated—plant in blocks for full ears
• Tolerances: Drought-tolerant and hardy once established
• Best For: Fresh eating, traditional gardens, seed saving

How to Use

• Direct sow in warm, fertile soil in block formations
• Keep well-watered during dry spells and flowering
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Harvest when kernels are plump and milky—test by gently squeezing a kernel
• Eat fresh, or blanch and freeze for year-round use