How Tall Will Indian Corn Grow?
Indian corn, also called flint corn and calico corn, is a harder variety of maize with a stronger outer layer than most modern corn. This corn was originally grown by Native American tribes in New England and the northern United States. Today it is planted mostly as an ornamental, since it is starchier and less palatable than dent corn or sweet corn, though some flint corn is still grown for popping. Does this Spark an idea?
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Appearance
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Flint corn plants bear a close resemblance to sweet and flour corn varieties. Most grow to around 6 feet tall, and bear colorful ears of very hard corn. The ears can vary significantly in size, from the 2- to 3-inch cobs of strawberry popcorn to more conventional 8- to 12-inch cobs. Flint corn can have single or multi-colored ears.
Environment
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According to the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, flint corn does best in the northern plains. It has a very low water content, meaning it does not shrink or dent when dry. This feature also makes it resistant to freezing temperatures. According to Oregon State University, most flint corn varieties take around 100 days to mature.
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Uses
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Flint corn is too hard to eat fresh, and tends to be starchy. According to the Slow Food USA, flint corn does well as hominy or soup. Some varieties make good popcorn, and others are attractively colored ornamentals.
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References
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