Five Unique Heirloom Corn Varieties You Need to Know

Discover five fascinating and unique heirloom corn varieties, each with its own story and exceptional qualities.

Heirloom corn offers a wonderful way to connect with agricultural history and enjoy incredible flavors that often get lost with modern hybrids. Beyond the familiar sweet corn, a diverse range of heirloom varieties exist, each with distinct characteristics and uses. This article explores five particularly unique types you should know about, perfect for the gardener seeking something beyond the ordinary.

1. King Philip Corn

King Philip corn, originating from the Wampanoag people of Massachusetts, boasts a rich and significant history. It’s a flint corn, meaning it has a hard outer layer and is excellent for grinding into cornmeal or polenta. Its kernels are distinctive - a vibrant mix of yellow, orange, and red – making it visually stunning in the field and when prepared. The original kernels were preserved by the Wampanoag people during colonization and are now available to home gardeners.

Growing Tips: King Philip corn thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds after the last frost, ensuring adequate spacing for robust growth. Expect a late harvest (around 100 days).

2. Painted Mountain Corn

This striking variety, developed by Bill Reynolds, is known for its beautiful kernels that transition from white at the tip to purple in the center. The color change is due to anthocyanins, pigments also found in blueberries and red cabbage. Painted Mountain is a flour corn, ideal for making tortillas, cornbread, or corn flour. The color shifts to a bluish hue when cooked.

Growing Tips: Like other flint corns, Painted Mountain prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Ensure good pollination by planting in blocks. Expect a 95-100 day harvest.

3. Gaspe Flint Corn

Originating from the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec, Canada, this robust corn is known for its hard kernels and exceptional storage capabilities. Historically, it was a staple food for the indigenous peoples of the area. Gaspe Flint is another excellent variety for grinding into cornmeal and making traditional dishes.

Growing Tips: Gaspe Flint is very cold-hardy and can be planted earlier in the season than many other varieties. It benefits from a strong trellis or support system due to its tall growth habit. It needs at least 100 days to harvest.

4. Wapsie Rainbow Corn

Wapsie Rainbow corn is a stunning multi-colored corn variety, showcasing a blend of red, pink, purple, blue, and white kernels. Developed from the Iowa Tall Corn, each ear exhibits a unique color pattern, making every harvest a surprise. While beautiful, it is a dent corn that's best suited for ornamental purposes, dried flowers, or decoration.

Growing Tips: Plant Wapsie Rainbow corn in full sun with plenty of space for air circulation. It benefits from staking to prevent ears from bending under the weight of the kernels. Expect around 100 days for harvest.

5. Little Midget Corn

Don't let the name fool you! Little Midget corn is a charming variety known for its exceptionally short stalks and tiny ears. It’s a unique ornamental corn, perfect for small gardens or containers. While the kernels are edible, the small ear size means it’s more suited for decorative use.

Growing Tips: Little Midget corn is well-suited for container gardening. It requires full sun and well-drained soil. Its compact size makes it ideal for patios or balconies. Expect a 75-85 day harvest time.

Exploring these unique heirloom corn varieties offers a glimpse into the rich agricultural heritage of corn and allows you to add beauty and flavor to your garden. Happy growing!