Zea maïs BLACK CORN (10 seeds)

Black corn, also known as Indian corn, is a fast-growing annual plant from the Poaceae family. It is a very ancient Native American variety originating from South America. It reaches a height of 1.50 to 2 meters and fruits very quickly during the season.

Its leaves are long, ribbon-like, and sheathing, typical of grasses. They feature a prominent central vein and sharp edges. In many varieties of black corn, the stalks and leaves may show reddish or purplish tints due to natural pigments, especially when the nights are cool.

Black corn is a monoecious plant, bearing separate male and female flowers on the same plant. The male flowers form a feathery panicle (tassel) at the top of the stalk, which releases pollen. The female flowers are located in the leaf axils, grouped into ears.

Indian corn seeds from Zea mays are black, glassy, very hard, and particularly rich in antioxidants. They are arranged in regular rows on a central cob. Their intense black color, sometimes with violet or bluish reflections, only appears during the final stage of maturation.

- Uses:

Unlike sweet corn which is eaten on the cob, edible black corn is too hard to be consumed fresh. It is left to dry on the stalk to be processed into flour or semolina, such as polenta. Rich in starch, it is the base for many traditional Native American preparations, including hominy, garnachas, tortillas, or flatcakes, offering a more rustic and pronounced flavor than classic yellow corn.

Thanks to the incredible uniqueness of its black color, it is a central element of autumn decorations. Whole ears are used, often with their dried husks attached, to create centerpieces, door wreaths, or dried bouquets for harvest festivals and Thanksgiving. It is a plant that retains its beauty for years if kept dry.

For many indigenous peoples of America, Indian corn is much more than a plant; it is a sacred symbol of life and fertility. It is still used today in ceremonies, offerings, or for the creation of ritual objects, testifying to a deep connection between agriculture and spirituality.

- Germination and Sowing of Seeds:

• The time to sow black corn begins in April and lasts until the end of May.
• Soak the seeds in water for 15 minutes before planting.
• Bury them half a centimeter deep in fine horticultural potting soil.
• Water abundantly upon planting using a sprayer.
• Place the culture in a warm spot at a temperature of approximately 25°C.
• Germination will begin about 2 weeks after planting.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

It is a heavy-feeding plant that requires deep, loose soil very rich in organic matter. It appreciates ground that warms up quickly in the spring. A massive application of compost or nitrogen-rich fertilizer is essential before planting.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

Full sun exposure is imperative. It needs maximum light and heat for its rapid photosynthesis. To ensure good pollination, it is recommended to plant the stalks in blocks (side by side) rather than in a single line, so that the wind can disperse the pollen effectively.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

This annual plant has no hardiness. It is extremely sensitive to frost. Germination only begins once the soil has reached at least 12°C to 15°C. Growth is optimal between 20°C and 30°C. Low temperatures during the summer can delay ear formation and prevent the kernels from maturing.

- Watering / Water Needs:

Its water needs are significant and critical, particularly during flowering and grain filling. Water stress during these periods can result in poorly filled ears. Watering should be regular and applied at the base of the plant to maintain constant soil moisture without wetting the foliage.

- Pests / Diseases:

Its main pests are the European corn borer, a caterpillar that bores into the stalks, or aphids. Birds are also fond of young seedlings and mature grains. Regarding diseases, corn smut and rust can appear in cases of excessive humidity.