Corn 'Painted Mountain Mix'

Zea mays — Painted Mountain Corn Mix
Painted Mountain is a hardy, early-maturing corn variety producing cobs packed with kernels in a wide spectrum of colours—deep reds, rich purples, golden yellows, and bright whites. Plants reach 3–6' tall, making them more compact than many ornamental types, yet highly resilient. Grown for decoration, flour, or feed, it’s a versatile corn that thrives even in shorter seasons. To maintain purity, isolate ornamental corn from sweet corn plantings.

DETAILS:

SITE: Sun

TYPE: Annual

SEED DEPTH: 3/4 - 1"

GERMINATION: 7-10 days at 18°C 

MATURITY: 100 - 120 Days

HEIGHT: 60 - 72"

SPACING: 6 - 9"

HOW TO GROW:

Planting:

• Timing & Method: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the final frost date. Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting them outdoors after all risk of frost has passed. Direct sowing is also an option in climates with a long enough growing season.

• Pollination: Arrange in blocks of at least 4 rows for proper pollination, which is needed for well-filled ears. Corn is wind-pollinated, so planting in a block rather than a single long row ensures the pollen from the tassels on one plant can easily reach the silks of its neighbors.

Soil & Fertilizing:

• Soil Preference: Corn thrives in rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). It is a heavy feeder.

• Fertilizing: Work in a balanced vegetable fertilizer at planting. Because corn is a grass, it especially benefits from a second application of a high-nitrogen fertilizer (a process called "side-dressing") when the plants are about a foot tall. This will support the rapid growth of the stalks and leaves.

Watering & Pests:

• Watering: Irrigate frequently through the season. Sufficient water is particularly important at flowering and when the cobs begin to fill. Inconsistent watering can lead to poorly formed cobs.

• Weeds & Pests: Keep weeds under control, as they compete with corn for nutrients and water. Corn can be susceptible to pests like corn earworm and corn borer. Proper plant spacing and a consistent watering schedule help to minimize stress and prevent many issues.

Harvesting:

• Timing: Cobs are ready for harvesting when the 'silks' (the strands at the top of the cob) turn dark brown.

• Maturity Check: To check for optimum maturity, gently peel back a section of the husk and press your thumbnail into a kernel. If the liquid is a milky color, the corn is ready. If it is clear, the corn is immature.