2013catalog

Corn
(Zea mays) The quintessential Native American
crop, corn was a staple of indigenous peoples
from South America to the Great Lakes. It’s
believed to have been domesticated in Mexico,
and may be of the world’s oldest agricultural
crops. It’s best seeded directly into the garden, in
good, rich, well-drained soil, right about the time
of the last spring frost. Plant it in blocks rather
than long narrow rows, to improve pollination.
Corn can be very drought tolerant, but ears fill
best when there is good soil moisture when
tassels and silk first emerge. Harvest sweet corn
when the kernels are full of milky-colored juice;
allow other types to remain on the stalks until
fully dry. 75-125 seeds per packet.
BEDWELL’S SUPREME WHITE DENT #CN148
Stately plants usually produce 2 ears, 12-14" long. These
are white, but the variety has always thrown an occasional
rosy-colored ear, and an occasional shoepeg type
(random kernels, not in rows). Originally grown in Clarke
County, Alabama, where it has been family held in the
Bedwell family for at least a century. Fine for roasting ears,
cornmeal, and hominy. See Edna Bedwell’s recipe, to make
incomparable creamed corn. Pkt $4.00
CHEROKEE WHITE EAGLE #CN144
Beautiful white and blue kernels on 8”-10” ears, makes superb
corn meal or can be used as roasting ears if picked young.
This great Cherokee variety gives good yields on sturdy
stalks, some kernels have eagle-like markings on them, hence
Golden Bantam Corn
the name. Very rare and hard to find. Pkt $4.00
this one. Pkt $3.50
COUNTRY GENTLEMAN #CN105
STOWELL’S EVERGREEN #CN130
90 days. Introduced in 1890 by S.D. Woodruff & Sons. Sweet, This is among the oldest sweet corn that is still in
delicious and milky; tender white kernels on 8” ears. The production, predating 1949. It is still a favorite of many,
ears have no rows, as this is a shoepeg type, and kernels are producing tasty white kernels. The plants used to be
packed in a zigzag pattern. One of the best heirloom sweet pulled up when completely ripe, and hung upside-down
corns. Pkt $2.75
in a cool pantry; the ears would last well into the winter, in
DAKOTA BLACK POPCORN #CN136
Dark reddish-black ears are quite attractive for fall
a semi-fresh state. In 1873, the seeds sold for 25 cents per
pint. Pkt $2.75
decorations, or popping into tasty popcorn! This variety is STRAWBERRY POPCORN #CN119
easy to grow, and does well in almost all growing climates. The popular, cute, little ears look just like big strawberries,
Fun for children’s gardens. Pkt $3.50
just 2”-3” long. The 4’ plants produce 2-4 ears each; great
GOLDEN BANTAM 12-ROW #CN143
for fall decorations or making delicious popcorn. Pkt $2.75
Released in 1922 by the Clark Seed Company of Milford, THOMPSON PROLIFIC #CN140
Connecticut. Although developed from the original Excellent pale yellow dent type, very productive. Sturdy,
Golden Bantam, this is definitely an improved type— 8-9 foot stalks frequently make two heavy 8-inch ears.
larger ears mean higher yields, and the golden yellow This variety was recommended for Tennessee farmers in
corn stays tender longer. Equally suitable for freezing and the 1936 USDA Yearbook of Agriculture, and was offered
fresh eating, this variety was for decades the standard for in the Richmond, Virginia area in the 1930’s. An excellent
home and market gardeners. Pkt $3.00
choice for the middle South. Pkt $2.75
PENCIL COB DENT CORN #CN131
WADE’S GIANT INDIAN #CN141
This old classic “shoepeg” type corn has very thin cobs, This is the best Indian flint corn we have found; huge
hence the name. Long white kernels are great for corn ears are about 12” long, very thick and heavy! This beauty
meal, or picked young and used as a roasting ear; sturdy 6’ comes in a whole range of lovely hues from yellow, blue,
stalks produce 2-3 ears. Pkt $2.75
red, orange, white, purple and more. This one is perfect for
RAINBOW SWEET INCA #CN135
A beautiful multicolored corn that was developed by Dr.
Alan Kapuler. This sweet corn is wonderful cooked fresh,
when the colors are still very pale; delicious real corn
flavor. Mature ears are great for grinding into flavorful
flour, and are perfect for fall decorations. The kids will love
stunning autumn displays and for selling at market. Also
great for producing lots of corn for meal or feed. We were
really excited to find this beautiful corn that was carefully
selected for giant size and superior quality by Wade
Nursery of Macomb, Michigan. Pkt $3.50
Photo: David Cavagnaro