Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Indian Ornamental Corn is one of the oldest varieties of corn in the world. This open pollinated, decorative variety produces beautiful, large, eight-inch ears. Ornamental Indian Corn is stunning and used for decoration, but also makes a great animal feed. Some people eat this variety but it isn’t as flavorful as sweet corn; we suggest checking out our Golden Bantam Sweet Corn seeds for eating! Ornamental Indian Corn kernels showcase all sorts of fall colors including red, yellow, orange, brown, black, blue, white and burgundy. Plants from this variety can grow up to eight feet tall and mature in 110 days.
NAME: Corn (zea mays)
VARIETY: Indian Ornamental (Multicolor)
DAYS TO MATURITY: 110 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Annual
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3 – 12
SUNLIGHT: Full sun
SOIL: Fertile, loose soil with a pH 6.0 – 6.5
PLANT HEIGHT: 5 – 8 feet tall
TEMP: 55 – 90 °F
These seeds do not required stratification.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
Starting Indian Ornamental Corn seeds indoors is not recommended. While it’s technically possible to start seeds indoors, it’s generally not recommended due to corn’s large size, rapid growth, and sensitivity to transplanting shock.
If you still choose to start seeds indoors, use biodegradable pots or peat pots to minimize root disturbance during transplanting.
Fill the containers with a high-quality potting mix.
Plant 2-3 seeds per pot, about 1 inch deep.
Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a temperature of around 65-75°F (18-24°C) for optimal germination.
Provide adequate light, either by placing pots near a sunny window or using grow lights.
Transplant the strongest seedling outdoors after the last frost date, being very careful not to disturb the roots.
One week after your last local frost or when the soil consistently reaches 60°F, plant the Country Gentleman Corn seed.
Soak your seeds in water for 12 hours before planting to decrease germination time.
Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart in rows spaced 24 to 36 inches apart. Germination should happen within 7 to 12 days.
Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart when they get to be 6 inches tall.
Keep soil moist and carefully remove weeds after the seedlings emerge, corn cannot fight against weeds so mulch may be beneficial
Prepare your soil bed by amending with compost and removing any weeds or rocks.
Additional organic matter or compost helps growth.
Keep in mind that corn has shallow roots which can easily become damaged by hoeing.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once the plants are about knee-high, and again when they begin to tassel.
Hill soil up around the base of the stalks once they are about a foot tall to provide additional support and encourage root development.
Watch for signs of pests and diseases, such as corn borers and common rust, and treat as necessary with appropriate methods or organic pesticides.
Consider planting in blocks rather than single rows to promote better pollination.
Weed regularly but carefully to avoid damaging the shallow root system of the corn plants.
About 21 days after the corn silk appears, it will begin to turn brown, this signals that the corn is nearly ripe.
When the kernels of sweet corn release a milky substance when pierced, they are ready to be harvested; if the substance is clear, they are not ready; if nothing comes out of the kernel, the optimum time for harvest has passed.
Firmly grip the ear and twist downward to harvest.
Ensure you do not break the plant when harvesting the first ear, or the second ear will not develop, since most corn produces two ears.
Sweet corn usually tastes sweetest if picked in the morning, since sugar content peaks at this time.
For best taste, use it the same day it is picked, otherwise store in the refrigerator for later use.
Country Gentleman Corn also freezes very well; freeze whole, shucked cobs or cut kernels off first.
