Bloody Butcher Corn (Heirloom 120 Days)

Heirloom 1845. The Bloody Butcher Corn is a stunning, decorative and useful corn variety growing 12’ tall with 8-12” reddish maroon ears. Intensely colorful kernels can be ground into flour and cornmeal while still being edible when young and eaten like a sweet corn. 

100 seeds

PLANTING

Zea mays

Germination: 7-14 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 60-85ºF. Planting in soil under 60ºF results in poor germination.

Seed Sowing Depth: 1” deep

Sowing Outdoors: In late spring, after the last frost date, when the soil reaches at least 60ºF. Sow 4-6” apart, thin to 10-12” apart. Plant in blocks, 4-5 rows, 24-36” apart to aid with pollination. Corn is pollinated by wind; therefore, planting in blocks ensures proper pollination rather than one long single row where the pollen can easily blow away, resulting in small, poorly filled out ears.

How much does a packet plant: 30-40 foot single row, block of 5 rows at 8 foot.

Harvest: Ready for picking 2 1/2 - 3 weeks after silks appear. Silks become dry and brown. The kernels should be plump and full. Test by pressing your fingertip into a kernel, looking for a "milky" appearance. Best picked in the morning and refrigerated/cool right away.

Harvest Dent or Ornamental Corn: When husks become dry or after one or two frosts. 

Harvest Popcorn: When ears are mature, kernels appear shiny and are hard. Remove the husk and let the ears dry for a few weeks. Test pop kernels after a few weeks to see if they are dry enough. Store popcorn by removing kernels or leaving them on the ears. 

Tips: The Bloody Butcher Corn needs an abundance of nitrogen. Add manure (in the fall) or rich compost a few weeks before planting. Add a high-nitrogen organic fertilizer every few weeks until tassels form. Keep well weeded, especially when they are seedlings and well watered, 1 inch a week, especially during the silk stage.

 **Photo courtesy of Pinetree Customer Tyler**