How to Grow Indian Corn
Indian corn, also called "Flint" corn, comes in many different colors and is used primarily for ornamental purposes. But some people buy Indian corn to grind up as flour or use as popcorn. Decide on the color of corn you want to grow and follow these steps to grow your own. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose one type of Indian corn. Buy blue Indian corn to grind up to make blue flour tortillas or select strawberry Indian corn for popcorn or ornamental uses.
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Search on the Internet for retailers that sell Indian corn. Most greenhouses and home and garden stores sell Indian corn in the garden and seed sections of the store.
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Start the Indian corn as early as possible. Indian corn requires a long growing season. Plant at least three months before the first autumn frosts in your area.
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Plant Indian corn at least 100 feet from other types of corn. If you plant several different varieties of corn in the same area, cross-pollination may occur and you might not get the type of corn you planted.
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Grow at least 5 rows of corn. The more rows of Indian corn you grow, the more likely they will pollinate. Corn is wind pollinated for the most part, but the closer and more dense you plant corn in a block, the better the pollination.
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Keep the Indian corn well watered during hot summer months. Corn uses a high amount of water for ear production.
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Harvest long after the hair on the corn turns brown. Pull back the husk of the ear of corn slightly. Then check to see if the corn is made. Indian corn kernels will likely be all different colors (unless you get a specialty color like blue or all red). The kernels should also be firm to the touch and dry. Gently pull down on the "ripe" ear and pop it off the stalk. Hang up the corn for a few days in a warm place to dry. Then it's ready to use.
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Tips & Warnings
Try planting the Indian corn on one side of a house and other corn on another side of the house away from the Indian corn. This may give some protection from unwanted cross-pollination.
Poor pollination leads not only to poor ear growth, but it also increases chances of disease and uneven kernel growth. Be sure to plant enough corn in a block.
