Indian corn, known as flint corn or ornamental corn, is a variety of Zea mays cultivated for its hard, colorful kernels and use in autumn displays. Unlike sweet corn, flint corn has low water content and a hard outer layer, allowing it to dry and be preserved for decoration. Successful cultivation requires attention to specific planting methods and consistent care throughout the growing season. This guide outlines the steps necessary to grow ears of corn for your fall harvest.
Selecting Your Corn Variety and Location
Choosing the right variety of Indian corn allows you to cultivate a specific palette for your autumn décor. Many types are available, from single-colored heirloom varieties like ‘Hopi Blue’ to multi-colored ears such as ‘Painted Mountain,’ which displays an array of red, gold, and purple kernels. Consider the days to maturity listed on the seed packet, which typically ranges from 105 to 115 days, to ensure your crop can fully ripen before the first hard frost.
Selecting an appropriate planting site is important for a successful harvest. Corn is a sun-loving plant that requires a location receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. The soil must be well-drained and capable of holding moisture, as corn is a heavy feeder and drinker.
A consideration for growing Indian corn is the risk of cross-pollination with other corn types, particularly sweet corn. Pollen from a different variety can compromise the desired kernel color and texture. To prevent this, you should physically isolate the Indian corn patch by a minimum distance of 250 feet from any other corn. Alternatively, you can stagger planting dates by approximately two weeks so that the different corn types do not shed pollen at the same time.
Planting Requirements and Spacing
Planting should occur in the spring after the last expected frost, once the soil temperature consistently registers at least 60°F, ideally closer to 65°F. Planting too early in cold soil often leads to poor germination and weak growth. Prepare the planting area by incorporating organic matter or compost to improve the soil’s water retention and fertility.
Sow the seeds at a depth of one to two inches, placing them about eight to twelve inches apart. Corn relies on wind for pollination, so planting in a block formation rather than a single long row is recommended. A block of at least four short rows ensures that the wind-borne pollen falls onto the silks, promoting complete kernel development on the cob.
Once the seedlings emerge, thin them so that the remaining plants are spaced about twelve inches apart. This ensures that each developing stalk has adequate resources to produce a full ear. Proper spacing and block planting maximize the chances of successful pollination, which is visually confirmed by cobs that are completely filled with kernels.
Seasonal Care for Optimal Growth
Corn requires consistent maintenance throughout the summer to support its rapid growth. It is a heavy feeder, meaning the plants need significant nutrients, particularly nitrogen, to develop tall stalks and full ears. A bulk application of nitrogen fertilizer is most effective just before the period of rapid vegetative growth, which typically occurs about 30 days after the seedlings emerge.
Watering is a frequent requirement, especially during hot, dry spells, as drought stress can severely impact ear development. The most sensitive period for water stress is during tasseling and silking. Aim for the equivalent of one inch of water per week, ensuring the moisture penetrates deeply into the soil.
Weeding is necessary, particularly when the plants are young, to prevent competition for nutrients and water. Use shallow cultivation methods to remove weeds, as deep tilling can damage the corn’s relatively shallow root system. As the stalks grow taller, gently mound soil around the base, a practice known as hilling, which helps stabilize the plants against strong winds.
Harvesting and Preparing Decorative Ears
Harvesting Indian corn for decoration differs from harvesting sweet corn because the ears must be fully dried and cured. The ears are ready for picking late in the season, typically around 105 to 115 days after planting, when the plant’s stalks are completely brown and the husks are dry and brittle. The kernels should feel hard and dry when pressed, indicating full maturity and low moisture content.
To prepare the ears for curing, they can be left on the stalk until completely dry, or you can pick them and peel the husks back slightly while they are still somewhat pliable. Peeling the husks back gently will help them maintain an attractive shape for bundling. The ears must then be thoroughly dried in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight.
This curing process is essential for preventing mold and rot, allowing the ears to be stored for months. Hang the ears in mesh bags or spread them on wire racks for a few weeks, ensuring air can circulate around the cobs. Once fully dried, the ears of Indian corn are ready to be bundled and displayed.