Corn - Anasazi

Corn – Anasazi 

(NOT to WA, TAS & NT)

Key Features:

• Heirloom Variety – An ancient American multi-coloured corn variety.
• Tall & Productive – Grows up to 200cm with an average of 2 cobs per plant.
• Sweet & Colourful – Kernels start yellow with some white (best for eating) and transform into a mix of yellow, white, blue, and red when dried.
• NOT AVAILABLE FOR WA OR NT due to quarantine restrictions.

How to Grow Corn from Seed

Best Time to Sow:

• Corn is a warm-season crop and should be sown when frost risks have passed.
• Check the ideal sowing period for your climate before planting.

Soil Preparation:

• Choose a full sun location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Prepare well-drained, nutrient-rich soil by adding aged manure or compost.
• Keep the area free from weeds before planting.

Sowing Instructions:

• Sow seeds directly into the garden at 20mm deep and 30cm apart, with rows spaced 75cm apart.
• Block Planting Method: Corn is wind-pollinated, so plant in blocks rather than long rows for better pollination.
• Maintain moist (but not soggy) soil to encourage germination, which takes 5-14 days at 16-35°C soil temperature.
• Protect young seedlings from pests, pets, and extreme weather.

Growing Tips:

• Watering: Deeply water when the soil is dry 5cm below the surface. Water in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent fungal diseases.
• Fertilising: If soil is poor, apply a balanced vegetable fertiliser:
  • Slow-release fertiliser at transplanting or when seedlings are 5-10cm tall.
  • Liquid fertiliser during flowering and cob formation.

Harvesting & Storage:

For Sweet Corn:

• Ready to harvest when:
  • The silks turn brown and dry.
  • Kernels exude milky juice when pierced.
• Harvest: Firmly hold the cob, pull downwards, and twist off.
• Storage:
  • Best eaten fresh after harvest.
  • Can be stored short-term in the fridge, husked or un-husked.
  • For long-term storage, blanch and freeze the kernels.

For Maize:

• Ready to harvest when:
  • The silks and husks turn brown and dry.
• Harvest: Pull the cobs downward while twisting to remove.
• Drying & Storage:
  • Hang cobs or place them on a wire rack in a bright, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks.
  • Store dried cobs in a cool, dry place, or remove kernels and store them in an airtight container.
    

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