Double Red Sweet Corn , VEGETABLE SEEDS, BLACK AZTEC SWEET CORN

The spectacularly red tone of this sweet corn was achieved by the brilliant Dr. Alan Kapuler (aka Mushroom) of Peace Seeds, who has developed new varieties on his small organic farm for decades. His work with this corn, of course, builds on centuries of selection done by indigenous people of the Americas. Our gardens are continuations not just of plant genetics, but of history. Step into this legacy with gratitude, care, and reverence: you are, through your garden, carrying on the work of countless ancestors.

Without doubt, Double Red is of the most beautiful corns we’ve ever seen. Deep red kernels, husk, foliage, cob, and silk. The dark kernels are naturally high in anthocyanins, antioxidants linked to dark red, purple and blue pigments. Delicious fresh, but can also be dried for cornmeal and flour. 1-2 ears per plant.

Planting

corn is a warm-season vegetable, meaning it requires warm temperatures to germinate and grow. Plant Black Aztec corn when soil temperatures are at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit after the last frost date. Full sun and well-draining, rich soil are a must for this crop. Black Aztec corn will benefit from a 2-inch layer of compost mixed into the top 6 inches of soil at the planting site. Plant seeds in groups of three spaced every nine to 12 inches along a row. Cover each seed grouping with 1 1/2 inches of soil and water thoroughly. Since this corn variety is open-pollinating, three to four short rows spaced 30 to 36 inches apart allow for adequate pollination.

Watering

Although B corn is drought tolerant, supplemental watering is important to ensure a healthy, mature crop. It will grow in dry conditions, but cobs will be small with small, hard kernels. Soil moisture is especially critical when plants produce tassels for pollination and during fruit ripening. This corn variety grows best with at least 1 inch of water per week. Water corn rows when rainfall is scarce and when the top 1 inch of soil becomes dry.