Rhode Island White Cap Flint Corn
50 Seeds
Ivory kernels traditionally used to make Johnny Cakes
- Bred by the Narragansett tribe
- Well-suited for northern climates
- Traditionally ground into cornmeal
- Large, white flint kernels high in oil
- 110 days to maturity
MORE ABOUT RHODE ISLAND WHITE CAP FLINT CORN:
(Zea mays) Bred by the Narragansett tribe of Rhode Island, this native corn variety has maintained local popularity for over 300 years. Rhode Island White Cap Flint is traditionally used for making Johnny Cakes, thin cornmeal pancakes often served with butter and maple syrup. Compared to modern hybrids it has modest yield, producing one or two long, skinny ears per plant. However, it has been kept from extinction thanks to a small group of local enthusiasts who recognize the historical importance of the variety and seek to preserve it for future generations. Seed has high oil content, compared to modern dent varieties, and also stores well. 110 days to harvest. 50 seeds/pkt.
GROWING INFORMATION:
CULTURE: Corn performs best in soil that is well-drained, but also able to hold onto some moisture, as corn tends to use quite a bit of water during its active growth phase. Working in a healthy dose of well-composted manure in the fall will ensure that the rapidly growing plants receive adequate water and nutrition.SOWING: After danger of frost has passed and soil temps have reached 55 degrees, sow seeds 9-12" apart, 1" deep, in rows 24-36" apart. To maximize pollination use a paired row or square plot configuration. Under ideal conditions, germination will occur in 7-10 days.
INSECT PESTS: Biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis can be effecting in controlling common corn pests like corn borer and earworm. Aphids, Japanese beetles, and other hard-shelled insects can be controlled with a simple homemade insecticidal soap solution.
DISEASES AND PROBLEMS: Corn is susceptible to a number of plant diseases. Consult your local extension office to learn which diseases are most prevalent in your region. Crop rotation, tillage, and removal of plant debris are all effective tools in managing common corn diseases.
HARVEST AND STORAGE: Ears can be harvested once the husks have dried and the kernels have sufficiently hardened. To test for maturity, pull back the husk and remove a kernel from the ear. If the tip at the base of the kernel breaks off to reveal a brown "abscission" layer, the ears are ready to harvest.
SAVING SEEDS: To maintain genetic diversity, save seed from at least 50 to 100 plants. If open-pollinated, plants should be isolated from other corn varieties by at least 1/4 mile. Otherwise, hand-pollination can be performed.
Ivory kernels traditionally used to make Johnny Cakes
- Bred by the Narragansett tribe
- Well-suited for northern climates
- Traditionally ground into cornmeal
- Large, white flint kernels high in oil
- 110 days to maturity
MORE ABOUT RHODE ISLAND WHITE CAP FLINT CORN:
(Zea mays) Bred by the Narragansett tribe of Rhode Island, this native corn variety has maintained local popularity for over 300 years. Rhode Island White Cap Flint is traditionally used for making Johnny Cakes, thin cornmeal pancakes often served with butter and maple syrup. Compared to modern hybrids it has modest yield, producing one or two long, skinny ears per plant. However, it has been kept from extinction thanks to a small group of local enthusiasts who recognize the historical importance of the variety and seek to preserve it for future generations. Seed has high oil content, compared to modern dent varieties, and also stores well. 110 days to harvest. 50 seeds/pkt.
GROWING INFORMATION:
CULTURE: Corn performs best in soil that is well-drained, but also able to hold onto some moisture, as corn tends to use quite a bit of water during its active growth phase. Working in a healthy dose of well-composted manure in the fall will ensure that the rapidly growing plants receive adequate water and nutrition.SOWING: After danger of frost has passed and soil temps have reached 55 degrees, sow seeds 9-12" apart, 1" deep, in rows 24-36" apart. To maximize pollination use a paired row or square plot configuration. Under ideal conditions, germination will occur in 7-10 days.
INSECT PESTS: Biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis can be effecting in controlling common corn pests like corn borer and earworm. Aphids, Japanese beetles, and other hard-shelled insects can be controlled with a simple homemade insecticidal soap solution.
DISEASES AND PROBLEMS: Corn is susceptible to a number of plant diseases. Consult your local extension office to learn which diseases are most prevalent in your region. Crop rotation, tillage, and removal of plant debris are all effective tools in managing common corn diseases.
HARVEST AND STORAGE: Ears can be harvested once the husks have dried and the kernels have sufficiently hardened. To test for maturity, pull back the husk and remove a kernel from the ear. If the tip at the base of the kernel breaks off to reveal a brown "abscission" layer, the ears are ready to harvest.
SAVING SEEDS: To maintain genetic diversity, save seed from at least 50 to 100 plants. If open-pollinated, plants should be isolated from other corn varieties by at least 1/4 mile. Otherwise, hand-pollination can be performed.
