Astronomy Domine Sweet Corn
Zea mays subsp. mays
Seeds per pack ~ 50
Germination: 90% Oct 2025, Packed for 2026
Origins & History of Domestication
Astronomy Domine is an open-pollinated, genetically diverse sweet corn landrace—a modern heirloom-style population built on the ancient domestication story of maize (Zea mays), first domesticated from teosinte in Mesoamerica and then diversified across the Americas through farmer selection. This particular strain was created through wide crossing of many sweet corn types by breeder Alan Bishop (Southern Indiana), intentionally keeping broad genetic diversity while selecting for flavorful eating quality and vivid kernel color. Later, landrace grower Joseph Lofthouse (Utah) further selected and maintained the population—especially for colorful ears at the milk stage and resilience under low-input or challenging conditions—helping spread it through the seed-saving community.
Appearance & Characteristics
Astronomy Domine produces multi-colored ears—often a galaxy-like mix of purple, red, yellow, white, and dark kernels that can show color even at the fresh “milk” stage (not just at full dry maturity). It’s generally described as early to mid-season, with many listings placing it around ~65–75 days to fresh eating, and it’s valued for a classic, “old-fashioned” sweet corn flavor (more chewy, complex, and corny than super-sugary modern types). It’s also commonly noted for tolerance of cool soils compared with many sweet corns—useful for earlier planting windows.
Culinary Uses
Harvested at the milk stage, Astronomy Domine is excellent fresh on the cob, steamed/boiled, grilled, or cut off the cob for succotash, chowders, corn spoonbread, fritters, and freezer corn. Because it’s a diverse landrace, sweetness and texture can vary a bit ear-to-ear—many growers embrace that as part of its “heirloom-style” eating quality. If left to mature fully, the colorful ears can also be used ornamentally (and some growers experiment with grinding/processing when fully dry, though it’s primarily promoted as sweet corn).
Growing Tips
Plant in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with steady moisture—corn is a heavy feeder, so mix in compost and consider side-dressing once plants are knee-high. For best pollination, sow in blocks (not single rows). Because it’s an open-pollinated sweet corn landrace, isolate it from other corn varieties (especially other sweet corns, flints, dents, or popcorns) to keep flavor and kernel types consistent—distance isolation is ideal, or use time isolation (stagger planting so silking doesn’t overlap). Expect roughly 65–75 days to fresh harvest under typical conditions.
Sow Depth
Direct sow after frost risk has passed (or when you can work the soil well). A practical sow depth is about 1–1½ inches (deeper in sandy soils, a bit shallower in heavier soils), aiming for uniform moisture for germination. The variety is frequently described as handling cooler soils better than many sweet corns, but you’ll still get the most even stands once soils are warming.
Harvesting Guidance
Pick ears for fresh eating when silks turn brown and dry, husks feel full, and kernels release a milky juice when punctured (the classic “milk stage”). Harvest promptly—sweet corn quality drops quickly after picking—then cool or cook the same day for best flavor. If you’re saving seed, leave selected ears on the plant until fully mature and dry, then cure further in a dry, airy space before shelling and storage.
