Painted Mountain, Heirloom Corn Seeds

Painted Mountain, Heirloom Corn Seeds — The Most Colorful, Widely Adapted Corn in Existence

Painted Mountain is one of the most widely adapted and genetically diverse corn varieties in the world today — descended from 70 types of native corn rescued from Indigenous peoples and homesteaders who lived in some of the harshest climates in the US and Canada. Tolerant of heat, drought, high winds, and cold nights, it can withstand cold ground in the early season and still produce a stunning harvest. The 4–5 foot stalks bear up to 2 narrow, 7-inch cobs with more beautiful colors than any other variety — vivid oranges, golds, reds, and purples that make the brightest fall harvest decorations imaginable. Young cobs at the milk stage offer a semi-sweet, authentic corn flavor for fresh eating; mature cobs reveal extraordinary colorful patterns. Dried kernels have thin seed coats and grind to a fine, soft flour. 70–90 days.

Why Grow Painted Mountain?

• Descended from 70 native corn varieties — extraordinary genetic diversity and adaptability
• Tolerant of heat, drought, cold, and high winds — one of the most resilient corns available
• More beautiful colors than any other variety — vivid oranges, golds, reds, and purples
• Dual-purpose — eat fresh at the milk stage, or dry for flour and decoration
• Thin seed coats — grinds to a fine, soft flour
• Open-pollinated — save seed year after year

Growing Notes

Direct sow outdoors after last frost when soil has warmed. Can withstand cold ground in early season. Plant in blocks of at least 4×4 for good wind pollination. Sow seeds 1 inch deep, 8–12 inches apart, in rows 24–30 inches apart (4–5 foot plants). Water consistently. Harvest young for fresh eating, or allow to fully dry on the stalk for flour and decoration.

Days to maturity: 70–90 days
Packet size: ~25, 50, or 100 seeds
Type: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated, Flour/Ornamental Corn
Ear size: ~7 inches
Plant height: 4–5 feet
Spacing: 8–12 inches in blocks
Sun: Full sun
USDA Zones: 3–12