Hopi Blue Corn Seeds 849

Description

Hopi Blue Corn Seeds

Scientific Name: Zea mays

Family: Grass

Type: Annual

Native Range: Canada, Lower 48 States, Pacific Basin excluding Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

Hardiness Zones: 4-8; warm season crop;

Soil Requirements: Loamy soil with slightly acidic pH of 6.5-6.8; work in aged manure or compost the fall before planting and let overwinter in the soil; must be well drained and able to maintain consistent level of moisture; corn is a heavy feeder and will benefit from applications of fertilizer during growing process;

Light Preference: Full sun

Water: 5 gallons per square yard; provide large portion of water at planting time; in drier conditions provide extra water for corn because of plant’s shallow roots; mulching may be necessary to help maintain moisture;

Days until Germination: 10-14 days

Sowing: Sow outdoors in spring after all danger of frost is past and soil has warmed; plant seeds 1″ deep;

Note: This variety does well started in trays indoors and transplanted outside. Sow hopi blue corn seeds in trays (98-128 cells work well) 2-3 weeks before last frost date. Transplant outside after danger of frost is over.

Plant Spacing: Plant 3-4 seeds per foot in rows 15″-30″ apart; thin to 8″-12″ apart in a row; space rows 30″-36″ apart; plant in blocks of at least 4 rows to ensure good pollination;

Plant Height: 6′-8′

Harvest: 90-100 days; allow ears to remain on-stalk until fully formed and stalk becomes brown; pull the ears downward and twist them off of the stalks; store in dry, well-ventilated space to continue drying; to remove kernels from ear, wearing gloves, rub kernels over container until they begin to come free; grind into meal;

Grows Well With: Corn suckers; potatoes; peas; beans; cucumbers; pumpkin; squash; melons; odorless marigold; sunflowers; pigweed;

Grows Poorly With: Tomatoes;

Potential Problems: Racoons; spotted cucumber beetles; flea beetles; cutworms; corn earworms;