How to Grow Peaches & Cream Corn
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Peaches & Cream Corn
Zea mays var. saccharata
vegetablePeaches & Cream is a bicolor sweet corn variety featuring tender, creamy-yellow and white kernels with exceptional sweetness. This open-pollinated cultivar produces medium-sized ears (7-8 inches) on stalks reaching 6-7 feet tall and matures in mid-season. The kernels have a perfect balance of sweetness and tender texture, making it ideal for fresh eating, grilling, and cooking.
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Example Peaches & Cream Corn timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Peaches & Cream Corn
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Peaches & Cream Corn
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Peaches & Cream Corn dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8; best performance in zones 4-7
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Germination
7-10 daysSeeds sprout and emergence of first leaves. Soil temperature should be 60°F or higher for good germination.
Ensure consistent soil moisture. Protect seedlings from birds and squirrels with netting if needed.
Seedling & Early Growth
2-3 weeksPlants establish roots and develop 4-6 leaves. Growth is relatively slow initially.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Keep area weed-free. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksRapid stem elongation, leaf development, and root expansion. Plants reach 2-4 feet. Tassels begin to form at the top.
Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer at V4-V6 stage (4-6 visible leaves). Side-dress or apply foliar spray. Continue weeding and maintain consistent moisture.
Flowering & Pollination
2-3 weeksTassels emerge from top of stalk, pollen releases, and silks appear from ear husks. Critical stage for ear development.
Maintain consistent moisture—this is critical for kernel development. Ensure adequate nitrogen. Avoid fertilizer burn. Water deeply.
Kernel Development & Maturity
2-3 weeksSilks dry and brown, kernels fill with milky fluid (milk stage), then transition to doughy and dent stages at physiological maturity.
Continue watering. For eating fresh, harvest at milk stage (kernels release milky liquid when punctured). Monitor for pests and birds.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Inspect husks for entry holes; hand-pick affected ears early. Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray at 50% silk emergence. Plant trap crops like sorghum nearby.
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Apply mineral oil to corn silks 3-4 days after silk emergence. Handpick larvae. Use Bt spray. Plant marigolds as trap crops.
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Spray with water to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestation is severe. Encourage beneficial insects.
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Create collars around seedlings with toilet paper tubes or aluminum foil. Remove crop residue. Apply diatomaceous earth around base.
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Hand-pick in early morning. Use pheromone traps. Apply neem oil to affected leaves.
Uses
Fresh corn eating, grilling & cooking
CulinaryPeaches & Cream is prized for eating fresh off the cob, grilling in husks, and cooking whole. The tender kernels and natural sweetness make it ideal for summer meals without added butter or sugar. [source]
Corn chowders, salads & casseroles
CulinaryCut kernels can be used in soups, salads, corn chowder, and baked casseroles. The bicolor kernels add visual appeal and are versatile in many recipes. [source]
Freezing & preservation
CulinaryCan be blanched and frozen for winter use. Harvesting at peak ripeness preserves sweetness better than other varieties. [source]
Wildlife food source
WildlifeProvides nutrition for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife. Often used as a supplemental food source in gardens. [source]
Garden ornament & educational plant
HouseholdTall stalks and attractive bicolor ears make it visually appealing in vegetable gardens. Excellent for teaching children about plant growth and seed saving. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest at milk stage (18-20 days after silk emergence) when kernels release milky liquid when pierced. Peak sweetness occurs at this stage. Ears are full-sized, silks are brown/dried, and husks are tight and green. Harvest early morning for maximum sweetness. Refrigerate immediately after picking—sugar converts to starch quickly at room temperature. Use within 1-2 days for best flavor.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Peaches & Cream is named for its distinctive two-tone kernel coloration—the peach-colored (golden-yellow) kernels mingled with cream-white ones create a beautiful mosaic on each ear.
- 🌱 The sugar in sweet corn begins converting to starch immediately after harvest, which is why eating corn within hours of picking provides maximum sweetness. Refrigeration slows this process significantly.
- 🌱 As an open-pollinated variety, Peaches & Cream can be allowed to fully mature and seeds saved for replanting in subsequent years, making it cost-effective for gardeners who save seeds.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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