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Corn, Ornamental and Popcorn
Introduction
Ornamental corn varieties are flint- and dent-type corns (Zea mays indurata) with hard, variously-colored kernels. Popcorn (Zea mays everta) is a variant of flint corn that can be popped. Broom corn (Sorghum bicolor) is not actually corn, but rather an ornamental sorghum. Renewed interest in heirloom corn meals and flours has led to a recent proliferation of corn varieties that can also be used for decoration.
All of these ornamental corns will grow in any sunny, well-drained, fertilized soil that will grow field or sweet corn, but may require significantly more frost-free days to properly mature. Adequate moisture, especially after the ears form, is necessary. Isolation from other types of corn is suggested. Bird and insect damage is often a concern. Use nutrient and pest management recommendations for sweet corn.
Types and Varieties
Hybrids are available, but most ornamental corn varieties are open-pollinated. Seed can be saved if it is isolated from other types of corn including sweet corn and dent corns. Ornamental popcorn can be marketed as both food or miniature decorative ears.
| TYPES | VARIETIES |
|---|---|
| Full-sized Ornamental | Autumn Splendor Bloody Butcher Early Riser Earth Tones Dent Fiesta F1 Floriana Flint Glass Gem Indian Art 104 Indian Art Cranberry Jerry Petersen Blue Montano Monardo Narragansett White Flint Nothstine Dent Oaxacan Green Painted Mountain Rainbow Six Nation Blue Twitchell's Pride |
| Miniature Ornamental | Carousel Indian Fingers Little Jewels |
| Broom Corn | Colored Uprights Red Broom Corn Texas Black |
| Popcorn | Cherry Berry Red Strawberry Corn White Cloud Mini Blue Robust 997 (R997) Ruby Red |
Soil Fertility
See Sweet corn Soil Fertility and Nutrient Recommendations in the next section.
Planting
Because of its hard seed coat, ornamental corn must be planted early to allow for full maturity on the stalks. Plant 1"–1.5" deep at a spacing of 9"–10" within rows and 30"–36" between rows. Separate ornamental corn from sweet corn or popcorn that flowers at the same time.
Harvest
Harvest ears when the plants and husks are dry but before a hard frost. The kernels should be fully mature, hard, and bright and the husks should be brown. Popcorn kernels should be 13%–14.4% moisture at harvest. Peel the husks back and hang ears in a barn or high tunnel to dry. Do not box or bag ears when they are first harvested, or they may mold. Spread husked ears in a dry, well-ventilated area and cure for several weeks.