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Heirloom

Northern Ute Flint Corn

Quick Facts:

  • Indigenous desert-adapted flint corn
  • Originates from the Ute Tribe of Utah
  • Long, slender ears with 10–12 rows
  • Thrives with minimal water
  • Traditionally used for flour

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Quantity: Packet (50 Seeds)

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Northern Ute Flint Corn

More about Northern Ute

Zea mays

Northern Ute Corn is an Indigenous desert-adapted corn donated to the USDA in 1988 by LaDonna Johnson of Utah, who received the seed through her mother and grandmother. The variety is associated with the Northern Ute Tribe and originated in northeastern Utah near present-day Roosevelt and Fort Duchesne. It is notable as the most northerly adaptation of a desert corn type—traditionally grown in an arid climate with limited water. The donor suspected it to be closely related to ancient “cave corns” carbon-dated to 600–800 years old that were grown in the same region.

Northern Ute Corn is a flint-type corn that grows 7–8 feet tall, forming sturdy plants with large tassels. A small portion of plants show pu... More

Less

Zea mays

Northern Ute Corn is an Indigenous desert-adapted corn donated to the USDA in 1988 by LaDonna Johnson of Utah, who received the seed through her mother and grandmother. The variety is associated with the Northern Ute Tribe and originated in northeastern Utah near present-day Roosevelt and Fort Duchesne. It is notable as the most northerly adaptation of a desert corn type—traditionally grown in an arid climate with limited water. The donor suspected it to be closely related to ancient “cave corns” carbon-dated to 600–800 years old that were grown in the same region.

Northern Ute Corn is a flint-type corn that grows 7–8 feet tall, forming sturdy plants with large tassels. A small portion of plants show purple stalks or purple glumes, adding subtle visual variation. Ears are long and slender, typically 7–8 inches in length with 10–12 rows, packed with glossy, multicolored kernels in shades of blue, white, and yellow often accented by red stripes.

Traditionally, this corn was ground for flour and also eaten fresh. The kernels show a flinty texture with some floury starch, making it suitable for dry grinding. Its ability to produce respectable yields with minimal water, combined with its geographic and cultural significance, makes Northern Ute Corn a rare and meaningful link between ancient desert agriculture and the northern edge of its historical range.  Matures approximately 115 days after sowing.  Each packet contains a minimum of 50 seeds.

Seed stock generously provided by the National Genetic Resources Program. PI 707985

Zea mays

Northern Ute Corn is an Indigenous desert-adapted corn donated to the USDA in 1988 by LaDonna Johnson of Utah, who received the seed through her mother and grandmother. The variety is associated with the Northern Ute Tribe and originated in northeastern Utah near present-day Roosevelt and Fort Duchesne. It is notable as the most northerly adaptation of a desert corn type—traditionally grown in an arid climate with limited water. The donor suspected it to be closely... read more

read less

Zea mays

Northern Ute Corn is an Indigenous desert-adapted corn donated to the USDA in 1988 by LaDonna Johnson of Utah, who received the seed through her mother and grandmother. The variety is associated with the Northern Ute Tribe and originated in northeastern Utah near present-day Roosevelt and Fort Duchesne. It is notable as the most northerly adaptation of a desert corn type—traditionally grown in an arid climate with limited water. The donor suspected it to be closely related to ancient “cave corns” carbon-dated to 600–800 years old that were grown in the same region.

Northern Ute Corn is a flint-type corn that grows 7–8 feet tall, forming sturdy plants with large tassels. A small portion of plants show purple stalks or purple glumes, adding subtle visual variation. Ears are long and slender, typically 7–8 inches in length with 10–12 rows, packed with glossy, multicolored kernels in shades of blue, white, and yellow often accented by red stripes.

Traditionally, this corn was ground for flour and also eaten fresh. The kernels show a flinty texture with some floury starch, making it suitable for dry grinding. Its ability to produce respectable yields with minimal water, combined with its geographic and cultural significance, makes Northern Ute Corn a rare and meaningful link between ancient desert agriculture and the northern edge of its historical range.  Matures approximately 115 days after sowing.  Each packet contains a minimum of 50 seeds.

Seed stock generously provided by the National Genetic Resources Program. PI 707985

Bucket of heirloom beans
Bucket of heirloom beans

How to Grow Corn

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. 

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.

Not recommended

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 & Other 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.

Sweet corn is ready to harvest approximately 21 days after pollination. At peak, the kernel tips should be rounded and glossy. Shelling corn 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.

CONSIDERATIONS:

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.

HARVESTING SEED:

Wait until ears have reached full maturity and the kernels cannot be pierced by your fingernail. Peel back the husk and harvest the ear by pulling down and twisting. Place in a mesh bag or basket and allow to continue to dry for two weeks. Shell ears using a manual corn shelling tool or tightly grip a gloved hand around the ear and twist to separate the kernels from the cob. Winnow to remove any chaff and store in an airtight container until ready to use.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Corn seeds will maintain 50% viability for three years when stored in a cool, dark place.

Hand pollinating corn

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