Golden Bantam

We have tried planting Golden Bantam sweet corn twice now. Once about eight years ago and again this year. I have found less than a 10% germination rate. I find it hard to consider that there is something wrong with the soil (i.e. latent herbicides) because hybrid corn seems to grow fine. I do not know if Bantam has a problem with high clay soil. It may also be that the two sources we used to obtain seed from had problems.

I was wondering if anyone else had the same problems or knew of an alternative heirloom variety for sweet corn.

Are you sure that your seed is not GMO contaminated?  Golden Bantam is a open pollinated corn, it is possible that if the parent corn was contaminated the corn might not germinate.  Several organic and heritage seed companies are testing seed before selling it.  It was amazing how many varieties they lost when they first started testing. 

Check Baker Creek for heirloom corn seeds.

I get mine from Victory Seed company, germination rate last year, during the drought was about 85%.  I also have a heavy clay soil.  In fact I have yet to be able to even till the main garden area this year because it is staying too wet.  

All corn is open pollinated, the seed companies have to take special care with bagging and hand pollinating to ensure against cross pollination.  Low germination rates can be caused by low soil temperatures, high acidic conditions, and old seed.  Since you have heavy clay my first guess is you have acidic soil.  My second thought is if you bought discounted seeds, or bought from someplace like wal-mart, or similar box store, you simply have old seed that is no longer viable.  

Golden Bantam has a great  flavor and stores well if cut off the cob and frozen.  Don't give up on this one, the ears are kinda small, but it is worth it.