Fisher's Earliest Sweet Corn
Zea mays subsp. mays
Approximately 50 seeds per pack.
Germination ~ 92% June 2025 Packed for 2026
Origins and History
Fisher’s Earliest Corn is a treasured heirloom variety that traces its roots to the Pacific Northwest. This yellow sweet corn was selected over the last 60+ years by Ken Fisher of Belgrade, Montana. 'Fisher's Earliest' is able to mature in the short summers of Montana. Named for its remarkably early maturity, this variety was selected from open-pollinated corn lines for vigor, adaptability, and reliability in cool, short-season climates. It embodies the heritage of indigenous and early settler maize adapted to northern growing regions, preserving the diversity and resilience of early-maturing corn types essential to self-sufficient homesteads and seed savers.
Appearance and Characteristics
This fast-maturing sweet corn typically produces compact 5–6-foot stalks with two to three small, well-filled ears per plant. The ears are often 6–7 inches long with bright yellow kernels arranged tightly on red-tipped cobs. It matures in as little as 65–70 days, making it one of the earliest maturing corn varieties available. The plants display strong early vigor, good cold tolerance, and a sturdy, uniform habit suited to northern and high-altitude conditions.
Culinary Uses
Fisher’s Earliest Corn can be harvested young for roasting or fresh use as a “green” corn, though it is most often dried for meal, grits, or hominy. Its kernels grind into a fine, sweetly aromatic cornmeal ideal for cornbread, mush, and traditional grits. The early maturity and rich flavor make it especially prized by small farmers and heritage grain enthusiasts seeking a reliable, flavorful short-season staple.
Growing Tips
Sow directly outdoors once soil temperatures reach at least 55–60°F. In USDA Zones 3–8, planting can begin in late spring when frost danger has passed. Space seeds 8–12 inches apart in rows 30–36 inches apart, planting them 1–1½ inches deep in fertile, well-drained soil. Fisher’s Earliest thrives in full sun with moderate moisture and benefits from side-dressing with compost or organic fertilizer during growth. As with all open-pollinated corn, plant in blocks of at least four short rows to ensure good pollination.
Harvesting Guidance
For fresh eating, harvest ears when kernels are plump and milky, typically about 65 days after planting. For dry corn, allow ears to mature fully on the stalks until husks turn papery and kernels harden, then harvest and hang to dry in a well-ventilated, rodent-free space. Once fully dry, the kernels can be shelled and stored in airtight containers for grinding or future seed saving. This variety’s early maturity ensures reliable harvests even in short or unpredictable seasons, maintaining its legacy as a dependable heirloom corn for northern growers.
