How to Grow Ornamental Corn

Grow Ornamental Corn in Your Garden

Life’s just too short. So, let’s learn how to grow ornamental corn. In addition to the fun of growing it, after the harvest, you will have fun decorating and doing craft projects. Obviously, Fall decorating would not be complete without it.

While sweet corn may be the most popular varieties grown by home gardeners, some corn is just grown for the fun of it. Enter the world of Ornamental Corn. And, there’s a wide variety to choose from.

Germination: Seeds sprout in 5 – 10 days.

Days to Maturity: Ranges from 105 -115 days, depending on the variety.

Popular Varieties

There are many varieties of ornamental corn to choose from. Listed below are some of the most popular ones.

Indian Corn – Perhaps the most popular variety, it is grown only for decorating and craft projects. It is dried and the ears are used as decoration for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and other fall events. It is popular for fall craft projects

Blue Miniature – This variety is grown for fall craft and decorating purposes. The small cobs grow 2″ – 4″ long.

Bloody Butcher – The ears have dark red kernels with a few darker kernels mixed in. Ears are 8 -12 inches long.

Early Pink – As its name implies, the kernels are pink. Ears are 5 – 7 inches long.

Firecracker – The 5-inch ears are multi-colored and grow on red stalks. They are great for decorating. And, it is good for popping.

Fiesta F1 – Multi-colored ears include blue, red, purple, white, and yellow.

Broom Corn – This is great for decorating. Also, it is used to make a brom!

How to Grow Ornamental Corn Plants

They are grown just like sweet corn. Review how to grow sweet corn.

Grow plants in full sun and rich garden soil.

Plant seeds in rows, about 1/2 to 1 inch deep. See the instructions on the seed packet.

Space four to six inches apart in rows three to four feet apart. For good pollination, plant in blocks, at least four rows wide.

Fertilize ornamental corn with a general-purpose fertilizer every two to three weeks.

Water regularly in dry weather. And, water deeply.

Keep plants well weeded in their early life. Place mulch between the rows to keep weeds down.

Keep alert to garden pests. Birds, deer, raccoons, and squirrels will attempt to steal the corn as it ripens and dries.

Also, see:

Plant Problems

Soil Temperatures – Ideal germination temperature by vegetable

Ideal Soil pH – by vegetable

Drying Ornamental Corn

Leave ears of ornamental corn on the plant for as long as possible. If the weather allows, leave them in the field until the husks are dry and papery.

You can also dry ears indoors. Harvest ears. Pull back husks to expose the corn. DO NOT remove the husks. Hang ears to dry in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.