Classes of Sweet Corn

Standard Sugary

Standard sugary is the oldest and most vigorous class of sweet corn. Example varieties include ‘Earlivee’, ‘Honey & Cream’, ‘Jubilee’, and ‘Silver Queen’. This class is often used in processing and sometimes sold fresh from heirloom and organic operations. A limitation of standard sweet corn is that the kernels contain less sugars and they convert sugars to starch within a few days after harvest so it must be consumed or processed quickly.

Sugar Enhanced

Sugar enhanced corn is also commonly known as sugary enhancer or EH sweet corn (e.g., ‘Sugar Buns’, ‘Bodacious’, ‘Fantasia’, ‘Luscious’, ‘Miracle’, ‘Temptation’). It is primarily grown for direct retail sale or wholesale market. It offers a more tender and creamy texture than other sweet corn classes. Kernels have more sugar than the standard types so storage life is extended a few days over less sweet types.

Shrunken-2

Shrunken-2 sweet corn gets its name from the seed having a wrinkled appearance and is also referred to as shrunken, super sweet, ultra sweet, or extra sweet (e.g., ‘Devotion’, ‘How Sweet It Is’, ‘Obsession’, ‘Vision’, ‘Xtra-Tender’ series). Up to 90% of corn sold for fresh consumption is the shrunken-2 variety. Sugar levels in this class of corn are up to twice that of other sweet corn types. Additionally, the conversion of sugar to starch within the kernels occurs at a slower rate, so varieties can be stored for 5 to 10 days. A common complaint, especially about older varieties, is that the skin covering the kernels is tough. Kernels of newer shrunken-2 varieties are less tough. Seeds may germinate poorly in cold soils and should be planted after soil temperatures are optimal.

Synergistic and Others

Synergistic and other new varieties (e.g., ‘Cameo’, ‘Gourmet Sweet’, ‘Vitality’) are continually being released. They are bred using combined genetics of other sweet corn types to enhance quality. Recent reports from the Midwest indicate many newer varieties perform reasonably well and are of good quality. However, some varieties, especially some of the initial introductions, have limitations including:

  • Poor germination, especially at temperatures below 60°F
  • Brittle seed that can be easily damaged with rough handling
  • Smaller seed that may not work with seeding equipment
  • Poor vigor in cold conditions
  • Poor ear tip cover on some varieties
  • Lodging (wind blowing cornstalks over)
  • Low yields

Isolation

Isolation is necessary to maintain kernel sweetness and color. All sweet corn varieties should be isolated from field corn by 250 feet or 14 days‘ difference in pollen shed (tasselling dates). Isolate shrunken-2 varieties from standard and sugar enhanced types to minimize starchy kernels. While isolation of sugar enhanced from standard types is not necessary, it does ensure full expression of the different sweetness characteristics of the variety

To maintain kernel color, white varieties need to be isolated from yellow or bicolor corn. Yellow is the dominant color so pollen from yellow corn will cause fewer white kernels in both bicolor and white varieties. However, white pollen does not influence color formation in yellow or bicolor varieties.