Welcome to our comprehensive guide on heirloom corn seeds for planting. This guide will explore the fascinating world of heirloom and non-GMO corn varieties and provide the information you need to grow delicious and nutritious corn. Whether you're a backyard gardener or an experienced farmer, our selection of heirloom corn seeds offers something for everyone. So let's dive in and discover the beauty of these timeless varieties!

Heirloom corn varieties have been passed down through generations, maintaining their original genetic makeup and providing us with diverse flavors, textures, and colors. Some popular heirloom corn varieties include:
Golden Bantam: Introduced in the early 1900s, Golden Bantam is a sweet, tender, and early maturing yellow corn. It is perfect for home gardens and boasts a delicious flavor that has stood the test of time.
Bloody Butcher: This incredible variety produces deep red kernels and is known for its exceptional flavor and versatility. Bloody Butcher can be used for roasting, grinding into cornmeal, or even as a decorative addition to your garden.
Stowell's Evergreen: A sweet white corn variety with a long harvest window, Stowell's Evergreen is cherished for its tender kernels and creamy texture.
Blue Hopi: This ancient variety has been cultivated by the Hopi people for centuries. Blue Hopi corn is used primarily for making cornmeal and boasts a rich, nutty flavor.
Country Gentleman: A shoepeg corn variety, Country Gentleman produces white, irregularly spaced kernels with a tender, sweet taste.

Planting Heirloom Corn Seeds:
To ensure the success of your heirloom corn crop, follow these planting guidelines:
First, choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
Prepare the soil by tilling it to a depth of 8-12 inches and amending it with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure.
Plant corn seeds 1-1.5 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in 30-36 inches apart rows. For optimal pollination, plant corn in blocks of at least four rows.
Water the seeds thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season.
Provide support for taller corn varieties by staking or using a trellis system.
To avoid cross-pollination, maintain a distance of at least 100-150 feet between different heirloom corn varieties.

Harvest times for heirloom corn varieties vary, but there are a few general indicators that your corn is ready to be picked:
The silks have turned brown and dry.
Kernels are whole, plump, and emit a milky liquid when punctured with a fingernail.
For sweet corn varieties, harvest when the kernels are tender and full of sugar. This is typically 18-24 days after the silks first appear.
For ornamental or cornmeal varieties, harvest when the kernels are fully mature and dry, which can take up to 100 days from planting.

In conclusion, growing heirloom corn seeds for planting offers you the chance to preserve agricultural history, experience the diverse flavors of traditional corn varieties, and contribute to a sustainable, eco-friendly approach to gardening and farming. In addition, by choosing heirloom, non-GMO heirloom corn seeds, you promote biodiversity and support a healthier environment for future generations.