It took well over 85 days to mature two semi-large ears. I kept back the very first ears, however, trying to encourage the early, smaller ear cycle. By keeping back the first of the ready seed to replant, this trait was once again reinforced in the offspring plant. I have a few stalks that make the traditional 3 - 4 ears per stalk, and you can bet those will be my prime seed to save for the next planting cycle. Hopi Indians very commonly chose their corn selection, based on what each individual family preferred.
Beans are another crop where an individual gardener can show off specific tastes.
Many traditional Italian gardens are maintained, using the true Romano beans that Grandma brought from Italy years ago. I ran across one problem with using hybrids several years ago when I planted a national variety called Gator Green snap bean. I had several acres of truck crop, so once planted, it didn't get a lot of attention. These beans grew and produced like crazy, and I knew I wanted to use them the next season also. I looked through the catalog from the company I purchased these beans, and they were missing from the next year offering.