Zea maïs

Annual, open-pollinated. Very rare heirloom. 

Assiniboine flint corn is a gorgeous heirloom with a wide variety of coloured cobs: a range of purples, yellows, creams, velvet reds, often showing some light speckling. It was originally grown by indigenous peoples who lived in the river valleys of Southern Manitoba and the Dakotas. It can be ground into cornmeal, made into hominy, and also makes a great fall decoration as it dries. What's more, flint corn is traditionally used for animal feed. These corn plants are not too tall, averaging around 4 - 5 feet. A great addition to the community garden. 

It is said to have been introduced to the seed market by Oscar Will of North Dakota in the early 1900s. 

Days to Maturity: 90

50 seeds per pack.

Seed starting:

You can plant corn directly in the ground after the last frost: sow 1inch deep, about 5 inches apart, in rows 30 inches apart. Plant in blocks for best pollination results - corn needs good pollination for full cobs!   I started mine in pots last year because I had such a hard time with birds - they love corn seedlings (cornlings). Start them 2 weeks before the last frost, and transplant out as soon as possible - they will grow fast in these little plug trays. 

Companion plants: beans, squash, peas.