Zea maïs

Annual, open-pollinated.

Flint corn is a gorgeous heirloom with a red cob that makes a pinkish cornmeal. It originates from Northern Italy, selected by farmers of the Sugana valley for making polenta, cornmeal and flour. It also makes a great fall decoration as it dries. What's more, flint corn is traditionally used for animal feed.

Days to maturity: 90 days.

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, sunflowers, peas.