Black Mexican Sweet Corn
(Zea mays) A unique variety with excellent flavor and a one-of-a-kind appearance. Despite its name, probably not of Mexican origin, but derived rather from a northeastern flint that acquired a natural mutation in the sugary1 gene. Regardless, we found this variety to be a joy to grow and a real treat to eat. Plants grow well with relatively little effort and produce copious amounts of pollen, which is essential for good kernel set. Ears are ready to pick three weeks after pollination, or roughly eight weeks from planting, and the uniquely colored kernels make them so much fun to shuck-- like opening a present! Kernels will eventually mature to a uniform dark purple color but are sweetest when still somewhat white. 75 days to harvest. 50 seeds per packet.
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.
(Zea mays) A unique variety with excellent flavor and a one-of-a-kind appearance. Despite its name, probably not of Mexican origin, but derived rather from a northeastern flint that acquired a natural mutation in the sugary1 gene. Regardless, we found this variety to be a joy to grow and a real treat to eat. Plants grow well with relatively little effort and produce copious amounts of pollen, which is essential for good kernel set. Ears are ready to pick three weeks after pollination, or roughly eight weeks from planting, and the uniquely colored kernels make them so much fun to shuck-- like opening a present! Kernels will eventually mature to a uniform dark purple color but are sweetest when still somewhat white. 75 days to harvest. 50 seeds per packet.
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.
