Ornamental Corn (Zea mays)
Ornamental Corn (Zea mays) comes in various forms, with differences in ear size, kernel color, husk, and stalk color. It is commonly sold in three-ear bunches at farmers' markets, produce auctions, roadside stands, and local retailers like supermarkets. Growers offering pumpkin tours, cultivating other fall crops, or featuring corn mazes may find ornamental corn a valuable addition to their offerings.
• Dent corn (Z. m. indentata) is characterized by its combination of hard and soft starches, forming a distinct depression or "dent" at the crown of the kernels when fully mature. It is commonly utilized as livestock feed, a key ingredient in processed foods, and for various industrial applications.
• Flour corn (Z. m. amylacea) features soft, starch-rich kernels that are easy to grind. While most varieties are white, other colors, such as blue, are also available. This type of corn was the primary variety cultivated by Native Americans.
• Popcorn (Z. m. everta) is a variety of flint corn characterized by a soft, starchy center encased in a hard, slightly translucent kernel. When heated, the moisture within the kernel turns to steam, creating enough pressure to force the kernel to explode, turning the starchy center into a fluffy, cooked white mass.
Temperature
Seeds should be planted after soil temps have reached 55-60° F.
Soil
For optimal ear quality, ornamental corn requires well-drained soil. A well-prepared seedbed is essential for successful germination and healthy plant development. Fields previously planted with fescue sod are ideal for growing ornamental corn. The field should be plowed a few weeks before planting, followed by 3-4 disking passes. If no-till planting is preferred, a non-selective herbicide should be applied before sowing.
Planting
Verify the maturity dates of your crop to ensure it will be ready when there is demand in the market. Ornamental corn can cross-pollinate with other corn varieties, such as field and sweet corn, so isolation is required. To prevent cross-pollination, you can either maintain a physical distance of 250 feet or more between varieties, or ensure there is at least a 10–14 day difference in the maturation times of the different corn types.
Spacing
Plant seeds to a depth of 1-2 inches. Space 8-10” apart within rows for small eared varieties and 10-12” apart for large eared. Rows should be spaced 30 to 36 inches apart. For proper pollination, plant in blocks of at least 4 rows.
Harvest
Ornamental corn is harvested by hand once the husks are dry. Ears reach full maturity when they lose their green color and begin to dry. To harvest, snap the ears off with a quick downward motion, leaving the husk intact. After drying for 1–3 weeks, the husk can be gently pulled back, and the ears are ready for ornamental use.
For ornamental popcorn, remove the husks at harvest. Place the ears in a mesh bag and hang them in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for a few weeks. After 2–3 weeks of drying, remove an ear, shell a few kernels, and pop them. If the popcorn is small, rough, or chewy, it means the kernels still contain too much moisture. Allow the popcorn to dry for another week, then shell and test pop a few more kernels. Once the kernels pop properly, shell the remaining popcorn. To remove chaff, pour the kernels from one container to another outdoors, letting the wind carry away the debris. Store the shelled popcorn in airtight containers.
For more Information, please see links below:
- https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/www.uky.edu.ccd/files/orncorn.pdf
- https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2018/10/ornamental-corn
- https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/indian-corn/
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