# Varieties of Corn Seed
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Golden Bantam
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Found in many backyard gardens, Golden Bantam seeds are one of the most popular seed types for home gardeners (according to Victory Seed Company). The seed type helped change the public's perception about yellow corn. Before 1900, farmers mainly used yellow corn for animal feed. William Chambers, a Massachusetts farmer, developed the variety, but only grew it on his farm. When he died, a friend sold some of Chambers' seeds to the owner of a farming catalogue. Golden Bantam made its first public appearance in 1902 in the Burpee catalogue; within a decade, it turned into one of the most sold types of corn in the U.S. (according to Victory Seed Company). Golden Bantam seeds grow to an approximate height of six feet, and the ears reach approximately seven inches. Golden Bantam seeds take 78 days to grow before harvesting.
Reid Yellow Dent
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Developed in Illinois, farmers typically use Reid Yellow Dent seeds for feed, flour and meal. Named for its developers, Robert Reid and his son, James, the seed type originated when the Reids mixed a large, red corn with a yellow-dent corn. The crossing of the seeds turned into Reid Yellow Dent. The family further developed the seed type during the next 50 years. According to Village Seed Company, the careful process ensures "no other corn breeds as true to type." Reid Yellow Dent seeds take 115 days to grow before harvesting.
Boone County White
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Based in the grain/field grouping, Boone County White "was once one of the most popular white dent corn varieties grown in the corn belt" (according to Victory Seed Company). The corn seed is a heavy producer, growing 10-to-12-inch ears and 10-to-12-foot stalks. The seed got its name from its originator, James Riley, who lived in Boone County, Indiana. In 1876, Riley developed the seed type from a coarse variety in the region known as "White Mastodon." Boone County White seeds take 115 days to grow before harvesting.
Orchard Baby
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Known by home gardeners for its unique flavor, Orchard Baby seeds grow shorter than most of the popular seed types. The plants reach approximately four to five feet in height. The ears also grow small, only reaching five to six inches. Originated in Canada, the seed first sold in the Oscar H. Will and Company catalogue (from 1947 to 1959). Orchard Baby is known for its tenderness and mild sweetness. Orchard Baby seeds take 65 days to grow before harvesting.
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