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Product Details
Product Details
This colorful, open-pollinated sweet corn was developed from a cross of the heirloom sweet corn, 'Luther Hill', and 'Painted Mountain' flour (Indian) corn. Because 'Painted Mountain' was selected from the Rocky Mountains, 'Painted Hill' is adapted for short growing seasons and can germinate better than others in cool, wet soils. The 7", multi-colored ears make a beautiful display, and every kernel is filled with robust, old-time corn flavor. Color is pale when fresh but intensifies when dried.
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- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
Variety Info
Days to Maturity: 65–80 days
Family: Poaceae
Type: Sugary type (SU) (Learn More)
Native: Americas
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
Exposure: Full sun
Plant Dimensions: 5' tall
Variety Info: 7" long ears with kernels in yellows, reds, purples, blues, and white. 'Painted Hill' is open-pollinated. Kernel color is pale at the fresh-eating stage. Darker colors develop as ears dry for colorful and unique ornamental corn.
Attributes: Frost Sensitive
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F; ideally 65°–90°F.
When to Start Inside: Not recommended; roots sensitive to transplanting. Best results occur when seedlings are transplanted less than 2 weeks old.
Sprouts in: 5–10 days
Plant Seeds (Depth): 1" –1 ½"
Space Seeds: A group of 2 seeds every 12"
Row Spacing: 24"–36"
Thinning: When 4" tall, thin to 1 every 12"
Growing Info
Harvesting: Sweet corn is ready about 3 weeks after the silks appear. Harvest when the silks are brown, but not dried, and the husks are dark green; ears should be plump, and rounded rather than pointed at the tip. To test for ripeness, gently pull back the husk and pop a kernel; the liquid should be whitish; if it is still clear, ears are not quite ready.
- MorganVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsJul 22, 2026So colorful and tasty!
This was my first time growing corn. I picked this variety for the pretty colors, but the taste was pleasant too. My whole family loved it! It was fun to open up the ears and see what colors were inside! For a first-time corn grower, I think they turned out pretty well. Thank you!
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateEGEpic GardeningJul 23, 2026Hey Morgan,
We're so happy to hear about your incredible experience with the Painted Hill Sweet Corn Seeds! What an amazing first-time corn growing adventure - it sounds like you picked the perfect variety to start with! There's something so exciting about the anticipation of husking those ears and discovering what beautiful color combinations are hiding inside! It's awesome that the whole family loved the taste too - there's nothing better than corn that delivers on both looks and flavor! Your first corn harvest sounds absolutely perfect, and we love that it was such a fun experience for everyone! Thanks for sharing your Painted Hill Sweet Corn growing success with us! Keep on growing 🌻️
- Leslie N.ID, United StatesVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsSep 26, 2025It made mature ears!
I live in zone 4 and have a hard time with corn maturing before frost. I planted this because it said 85 days. It made ears. We ate some, dried others, and I will plant it again.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateWho do you grow for? YourselfHow do you prefer to grow? In GroundEGEpic GardeningSep 29, 2025Hey Leslie N.,
What a fantastic review! We're absolutely thrilled to hear that your Painted Hill Sweet Corn Seeds finally gave you that corn success you've been hoping for in zone 4 - there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of beating that frost deadline!
Your experience with corn struggling to mature before frost is so relatable for northern gardeners! Zone 4 growing seasons can be such a challenge when you're trying to grow corn, and finding varieties that can actually deliver mature ears in that shorter window is like discovering garden gold. The fact that your Painted Hill corn powered through and reached full maturity in that 85-day timeframe really shows what a reliable, fast-maturing variety this is.
We love that you got to enjoy the best of both worlds - fresh eating AND dried corn for storage! There's something so satisfying about a harvest that's versatile enough to give you immediate enjoyment plus something to preserve for later. And the fact that you're already planning to plant it again next season tells us everything we need to know about how well these performed for you.
Your success with getting mature ears in zone 4 will be so encouraging for other northern gardeners who've struggled with corn varieties that just can't beat the frost! Painted Hill's dependable timing combined with great flavor makes it such a winner for challenging growing zones.
Keep on growing 🌻️
- Kahlil H.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsMar 23, 20255 Stars
All seeds terminated and is still thriving.
- Leslie H.Verified BuyerRated 4 out of 5 starsAug 14, 20244 Stars
These are fun to grow if you are beginner gardener to a professional gardener these will have you waiting in anticipation for the gun multicolored ears. Great to grow for little kids all the way up to the elderly folks. You won't be disappointed with these beautiful ears of corn.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Professional - Peter B.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsMay 8, 20245 Stars
Excited for some sweet corn. They have a little ways to go, but germination was good.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
