Flint corn, also known as “Indian corn,” is a type of maize characterized by its hard, glassy kernels. The kernels are usually multicolored, showcasing shades of yellow, red, blue, and purple. This variety is known for its durability and ability to withstand cold and dry conditions, making it a resilient crop.

Flint corn has a higher starch content and lower moisture compared to other types of corn, such as sweet corn. It’s primarily used for making cornmeal, polenta, and other food products, as well as for decorative purposes, especially around harvest time. Its tough outer layer makes it less prone to mold and pests, contributing to its popularity among traditional farmers.

How to Grow Flint Corn

It’s easy to grow this colorful vegetable. Grow it under conditions similar to all plants in the maize family. It needs full sun, rich soil, and warmth to grow big ears of colorful kernels.

1. Choose the Right Variety

• Select a flint corn variety suited to your climate and soil conditions. Look for seeds that are locally adapted.

2. Soil Preparation

• Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
• Soil Testing: Test your soil pH (ideally between 6.0 and 6.8) and nutrient levels.
• Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches to aerate and break up clumps.
• Amendments: Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.

3. Planting

• Timing: Plant flint corn after the last frost date when the soil temperature is around 60°F (15°C).
• Spacing: Plant seeds about 1-2 inches deep, spacing them 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 30-36 inches apart. Aim for 2-3 seeds per hole.
• Thinning: Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to ensure proper spacing.

4. Watering

• Moisture: Flint corn needs about 1 inch of water per week. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.

5. Fertilization

• Use a balanced fertilizer or one higher in nitrogen during the early growth stages. Side-dress with additional fertilizer if needed.

6. Weed and Pest Control

• Weeding: Keep the area around the corn free of weeds, especially in the early stages.
• Pests: Monitor for common pests like corn earworms and aphids. Use organic methods or insecticidal soap if necessary.

7. Pollination

• Flint corn is wind-pollinated. Ensure that there are enough plants close together for effective pollination, ideally in blocks rather than single rows.

8. Harvesting

• Harvest when the husks are dry and the kernels are hard. This is usually in late summer to early fall.
• To harvest, pull the ears from the stalks and allow them to dry further in a cool, dry place.

9. Storage

• Store dried corn in a cool, dry place to prevent mold. Use airtight containers to keep pests out.

With proper care, decorative corn can be stored for many seasons.

The Wonderful World of Corn

Settlers in America likened this type of maize, or corn, to being as hard as flint – hence the name. But there’s a wide world of corn out there. For vegetable gardeners, growing the best, tallest, and sweetest harvest is a matter of pride. Below is an introduction to the wide world of maize, or corn, for backyard gardeners.

Sweet Corn

To understand corn is to understand the heritage of the New World. Native Americans grew maize, or corn, throughout the Americas. A genetic mutation in the maize grown throughout the centuries resulted in sweet corn, the yellow or white kernel corn ubiquitous to farm stands, backyard barbecues, and delicious meals throughout the summer months.

Dent, Flour and Pod Corn

Moving down in order of sweetness from our beloved sweet corn is dent corn. Like sweet corn, the kernels are usually yellow but have a ‘dent’ or dimple in them (hence the name – you’ll notice a pattern here. Corn names are highly descriptive). Dent corn has less starch, therefore, it is less sweet. Dent corn is popular in South America and ground to make hominy. Flour corn and pod corn are also popular in South and Central America.

Popcorn

Who doesn’t love popcorn? Popcorn “pops” when oil and water inside the kernel expand, effectively creating pressurized steam. The steam expands, turns starch into foam, and POP! goes the corn. The starch hardens into the crispy outer texture.

Growing Great Sweet Corn

To grow great sweet corn, start with selecting a high-quality variety that suits your local climate and growing season. Sweet corn thrives in warm weather, so plant seeds after the last frost date when soil temperatures reach around 60°F (15°C). Ensure you prepare the soil by testing pH (aim for 6.0 to 6.8) and enriching it with compost or well-rotted manure. Plant seeds about 1-2 inches deep, spacing them 8-12 inches apart in blocks rather than single rows. This layout enhances pollination, which is crucial for producing sweet, plump kernels.

As your sweet corn grows, consistent watering is key; aim for about 1 inch of water per week, especially during pollination. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Monitor for pests like corn earworms and aphids, using organic controls as needed. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer, focusing on nitrogen during early growth stages. When the ears are filled out and the silks begin to turn brown, it’s time to harvest—ideally when the kernels are still milky. Enjoy your sweet corn fresh, or store it in the freezer for later use!