{"product_id":"japonica-striped-maize-flint-corn-seeds","title":"Japonica Striped Maize, Heirloom Flint Corn Seeds","description":"\u003ch1\u003eJaponica Striped Maize Heirloom Flint Corn Seeds\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eTurn a sunny garden bed into a living display of striped leaves and wine-colored tassels. Japonica Striped Maize is a Japanese heirloom flint corn with long leaves marked in green, cream, yellow, and pink. Its deep burgundy to nearly black kernels bring a second season of interest in dried autumn arrangements, or can be dried thoroughly and ground for cornmeal. This is ornamental grain corn, not sweet corn for eating fresh on the cob.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Grow Japonica?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor from the leaves up:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lengthwise stripes give the foliage a distinctive look before the ears mature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEvery planting is different:\u003c\/strong\u003e Variegation varies naturally; some plants are greener than others.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRichly colored grain:\u003c\/strong\u003e Burgundy kernels complement the wine-purple tassels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeirloom and open-pollinated:\u003c\/strong\u003e A traditional variety for edible landscapes and gardeners who enjoy unusual corn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting and Growing\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDirect sow after frost danger has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60°F. Choose full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Sow 1–2 inches deep and keep the seedbed moist but not waterlogged. Germination generally takes 7–10 days under suitable conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThin to about 10–15 inches between plants. In square foot beds, use \u003cstrong\u003e1 plant per sq ft\u003c\/strong\u003e, arranging plants in a block rather than a single narrow row. Aim for at least three to four short rows so wind can move pollen between tassels and silks. Allow surrounding room for foliage and access. An isolated decorative stalk may grow beautifully but set poorly filled ears.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlants generally reach 5–6 feet tall. Incorporate compost and fertilize according to soil needs. Maintain steady moisture, especially during tasseling and ear development. Watch for corn earworms, borers, and aphids. Rotate planting areas and remove crop debris after harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHarvest Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaturity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 75–85 days from sowing under favorable conditions; allow additional time for dry grain and fully cured ornamental ears.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCorn type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heirloom, open-pollinated ornamental flint corn.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Variable green, white to cream, yellow, and pink longitudinal stripes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKernel color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep burgundy to crimson-black.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright annual, approximately 60–72 inches tall.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest uses:\u003c\/strong\u003e Edible landscapes, garden borders, dried autumn displays, and dried grain for milling.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eZea mays\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor dried ears, wait until husks are papery and kernels are hard. Harvest before prolonged wet weather damages the ears, then finish drying in a protected, airy place. Grain must be thoroughly dried before airtight storage. This variety is not a substitute for tender sweet corn. If saving seed, plan isolation from other corn varieties because corn is wind-pollinated and crosses readily.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePacked and shipped by Box Garden Seeds LLC — heirloom seeds grown without GMOs, selected for your garden.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Box Garden Seeds Store","offers":[{"title":"~25+ Seeds","offer_id":67892436697222,"sku":"KSC\/H1-25-90-126-31","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"~50+ Seeds","offer_id":67892436729990,"sku":"KSC\/H1-50-90-126-31","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2669\/3330\/files\/corn_ornamental_japonica_striped_maize.webp?v=1793809183","url":"https:\/\/bgseedsllc.com\/products\/japonica-striped-maize-flint-corn-seeds","provider":"Box Garden Seeds Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}