(65-85 days) Aka ‘Black Mexican’. Pre-1860. An ancient corn purported to have been grown by the Aztecs over 2000 years ago, Black Aztec is, according to Taylor’s Guide to Heirloom Vegetables , “an old and celebrated heirloom variety... (that is) almost legendary among old seedsmen.” Eight-inch ears hold kernels that start out white and mature through purple to bluish-black. The plant itself grows to 5-6’, and is very hardy and drought-tolerant. Its cobs are wonderful for fresh eating when white or ground as blue cornmeal when dry.
NEW FOR 2008! This is a very old dent corn, grown since at least 1845. Very tall (10-12’), sturdy stalks produce 12” cobs that are a beautiful dark red (hence the name). A later season corn, it needs 100-120 days to mature, but it is very drought-tolerant. The cobs are excellent for fall decorations, but they can also be eaten fresh when young or making red-flecked cornbread.
(Sorghum vulgare) (105 days) Not actually corn, but a type of sorghum (a grain), this is the crop used to make “corn brooms” centuries ago. I’m offering a mix of a number of heirloom varieties that grow in shades of gold, bronze, brown, black, burgundy and cream. The colour deepens as the seed-heads mature. Grow your own corn broom or use the stalks for dried arrangements!(80 seeds)
NEW FOR 2008! (80-100 days) Growing to 8’, this old variety of sweet corn was very popular in the late 1800’s. It gives good yields of very sweet and tender 6-8” cobs. It was also known as ‘Shoe Peg’, because its kernels are small and densely packed on the cob, not in rows. Okay, I admit, I don’t know how that relates to a shoe peg – I await to be enlightened.
1890’s. This is a breathtakingly-beautiful ornamental corn originally from Japan. A rainbow of colours, it sports variegated leaves striped with green, white, yellow and pink; dark purple tassels and burgundy kernels. Grow a rainbow! Colours develop better when widely spaced. (25 seeds)
(80-90 days) Not an heirloom, but so beautiful I couldn’t resist, this all-around corn is the most widely adapted and genetically diverse corn available. Dave Christenson developed this variety over 20 years from a number of old native varieties. A very early producer, it is extremely hardy and tolerates poor soils. Narrow, 7” cobs come in an array of colours – oranges, golds, reds and purples – with each ear having its own unique colour combinations. Perfect for fall decorating, flour and also for eating fresh! (80 seeds)
(80 – 100 days) (Aka ‘Dwarf Strawberry’ ‘Two-Inch Strawberry’) Although chiefly grown as an ornamental corn, this heirloom’s cobs do indeed make great popcorn. Its 4-5’ stalks produce 2-4 ears per stalk – tiny (2-3”) ears that are shaped like strawberries and are a deep red colour. Beautiful.
