Maize for Your Garden: Colored Corn Varieties

Though "corn" is one of about twenty crops that make up the majority of the human diet, maize is a plant species that contains hundreds, or even thousands of different strains and varieties. Among them, these five heirloom varieties present a plethora of color that make them worthy of mention. Though heirloom strains may not sometimes produce as much as modern varieties, nor be as pest resistant, they often contain unique qualities and greater tastes than newer, homogenized crops. Remember, when planting maize in the home garden, ensure a sunny summertime location, but be careful not to overshadow other plants when the tall corn varieties reach their full height. Also, sow corn seed in the ground sufficiently late in the spring planting season, after the danger of frosting has passed.

The first colored corn variety, "Bloody Butcher," supposedly dates back to 1845, and the suggestion of red color in the name is absolutely correct: "Bloody Butcher" is strikingly red, grows approximately eight feet tall, contains ten-inch cobs, and is best used for cornmeal. Because there is far less surface area than volume on a kernel of corn, grinding the crop to make cornmeal reduces the blood-red color significantly. When dried, "Bloody Butcher" goes excellent in autumn flower arrangements, especially with candytuft, carnations, and cornflowers.

Another variety of colored but short maize comes from the American southwest, where "Blue Hopi" was cultivated as much for its beauty as for its use in making cornmeal. Like "Bloody Butcher," "Blue Hopi" maize loses most of its color when ground, though the dried cobs may remain brilliant for years to come and make excellent summer decorations. Highly recommended flower varieties to accompany Blue Hopi corn include morning glory, floss flower, and forget-me-nots.

Those wanting a more "native" looking corn for decorating purposes may choose from a variety of strains carrying multicolor kernel genetics, such as broom, Indian or Squaw corn. Dozens of different color combinations are possible, though commonly, one will see shades of amber, blue, brown, orange, red, and yellow. Few varieties of this kind are used for food, unless ground into cornmeal (losing most color), but instead dried and used in decorating arrangements with earth-toned flowers. Excellent floral matches include aster, African daisies, and butterfly weed.

For use in beautiful dried arrangements or in creative edible foodstuffs, these heirloom varieties of maize are sure to delight the senses of both sight and taste with brilliant colors and bold flavors. Try a variety this year!