Festivity — The OSSI Rainbow Corn Bred for 3–4 Ears Per Plant and Higher Latitudes
Festivity is a remarkable open-pollinated sweet corn developed in Oregon by Jonathan Spero of Lupine Knoll Farm — bred specifically for growers with excellent, low-fertility soils in higher latitudes, with cold tolerance, multi-stalked plants, and frequently 3–4 ears per plant. Most cobs carry a beautiful blend of white, yellow, red, and purple kernels that present a stunning range of colors at the sweet-eating stage, only intensifying as the ears mature. Spero crossed ancient Anasazi multi-colored sweet corn with modern corn, then spent seven years selecting and stabilizing this open-pollinated variety — striving for excellent eating quality while preserving the variability that makes a crop resilient. An OSSI-pledged open-source variety, freely available to all growers forever. ~90 days.
Why Grow Festivity?
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Bred by Jonathan Spero — 7 years of selection from Anasazi multi-colored sweet corn
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Rainbow kernels — white, yellow, red & purple blend, beautiful at eating stage and beyond
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3–4 ears per plant — multi-stalked and exceptionally productive
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Cold-tolerant, higher-latitude adapted — bred for northern and cool-climate gardens
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OSSI-pledged open-source variety — freely available to all, forever
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Open-pollinated — save seed year after year
OSSI Pledge
This is an Open Source Seed Initiative variety. “You have the freedom to use these OSSI-pledged seeds in any way you choose. In return, you pledge not to restrict others’ use of these seeds or their derivatives, by patents or other means, and to include this pledge in any transfer of these seeds or their derivatives.”
Growing Notes
Direct sow outdoors after last frost. Cold-tolerant — suitable for higher latitudes and cool-climate gardens. Plant in blocks of at least 4×4 for good wind pollination — single rows result in poorly filled ears. Sow seeds 1 inch deep, 8–12 inches apart. Water consistently. Harvest at the sweet-eating stage for fresh corn, or allow to mature fully for ornamental display.
| Days to Maturity |
~90 days |
| Kernel Colors |
White, yellow, red & purple |
| Ears Per Plant |
3–4 (multi-stalked) |
| Cold Tolerance |
Excellent — higher-latitude adapted |
| Certification |
OSSI-pledged open-source variety |
| Type |
Heirloom, Open-Pollinated, Non-GMO |
| Spacing |
8–12 inches in blocks (min. 4×4) |
| USDA Zones |
3–12 |
Packed and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for flavor, resilience, and your garden’s success.
