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Growing Japonica Striped Maize Corn in the Vegetable Garden
Direct sow Japonica Striped Maize corn seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have reached at least 60 F. Plant seeds 1 to 2 inches deep, spacing them 3 to 4 inches apart, and thin seedlings to 10 to 15 inches apart once they are a few inches tall. Space rows 24 to 36 inches apart. Like all corn, Japonica Striped Maize relies on wind for pollination, so plant in blocks of at least three to four short rows rather than a single long row for the best kernel development.
Corn is a heavy feeder, so work compost or a balanced fertilizer into the soil before planting and side-dress with a nitrogen-rich amendment when stalks reach about knee height. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during tasseling and ear formation. Japonica Striped Maize pairs well with beans and squash in a traditional Three Sisters planting, where beans fix nitrogen for the corn and squash shades the soil to retain moisture.
Harvesting Japonica Striped Maize Corn
For ornamental use, allow the ears to dry fully on the stalk until the husks are papery and the kernels are hard. Harvest by snapping or cutting the ears from the stalk and peeling back the husks to display the deep burgundy kernels. For popcorn, leave the ears on the stalk as long as possible, then bring them indoors to finish curing in a warm, dry area for several weeks. Once fully dried, twist the kernels off the cob and store them in an airtight container. Test a small batch to make sure they pop well before storing the full harvest.
About Japonica Striped Maize Corn Garden Seeds
Japonica Striped Maize is a Japanese heirloom variety prized for its remarkable variegated foliage. The leaves display bold stripes of green, white, yellow, and pink that intensify as the plant matures, making each stalk a living work of art in the garden.
Unlike most ornamental corns that are grown strictly for decoration, Japonica Striped Maize pulls double duty. The small, hard burgundy kernels dry down beautifully for fall arrangements and also pop into a light, crunchy snack with a slightly nutty flavor.
This variety has been grown in Japanese gardens for generations and is sometimes listed as Japonica Striped Leaf corn. It remains a favorite among heirloom seed collectors and gardeners looking for something beyond the ordinary.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Japonica Striped Maize is one of those rare varieties that earns its spot in the garden on looks alone, but then surprises you at the end of the season with popcorn. Plant it where you can admire the striped leaves up close, and isolate it from other corn varieties if you want to save seed and keep those gorgeous traits true."
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- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Japonica Striped Maize Corn Seeds Per Package:
- 10 g Packet - Approximately 60 Seeds
- 1 oz - Bulk - Approximately 170 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk - Approximately 680 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk - Approximately 2,720 Seeds
- 5 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 13,600 Seeds
