Oaxacan Green Dent Corn Seeds

Oaxacan Green Dent Corn Seeds - Rare Heirloom for Flour & Milling
Zea mays
Listing is for 1 packet of minimum 30 seeds

Discover the beauty and history of Oaxacan Green Dent Corn Seeds, a rare heirloom variety from the Oaxaca region of Mexico. This unique corn features striking green kernels that are prized for their beauty and versatility, traditionally ground into flour for tortillas and tamales. Known for its adaptability, Oaxacan Green Dent corn thrives in a variety of climates and produces tall, robust plants with high yields. Unlike common sweet corn, this variety is grown for its dented kernels, which dry well for storage and milling. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning green hue, this corn is both a tribute to traditional Mexican agriculture and a practical, productive choice for home gardeners.

My top 5 tips for successfully growing corn - or go visit my YouTube channel Jerra's Garden to watch my How to Grow Corn video: https://youtu.be/XhrJQ09dajQ

1. Corn must be grown in a decent size block in order to properly pollinate and produce full ears of corn. Corn is wind pollinated. The tassels that form at the top release pollen in the air that floats down and lands on the silks. Every silk is attached to a single kernel on the cob of corn. If the silk doesn't get pollinated, the kernel will not grow resulting in cobs of corn with gaps in it. Do not grow just a few plants. Ideally you would want a 8ft x 4ft growing area, with at least 4 rows. I sow/plant the corn 8-10 inches apart. 

2. The corn ear worms will come so be ready. These are small brown worms that bore into the stalk and ultimately into the forming cobs of corn. They will ruin the entire cob. What makes it so difficult, is that once they bore into the stalk/cob, its hard to treat for the worms. I highly recommend the use of spinosad. BT will also work ok, but its not as effective as spinosad against this particular type of worm. Spinosad is slightly stronger and has the added benefit of killing the worm on contact (BT does not). I spray at the first signs of worm chewing damage on the leaves to reduce the population before they work their way into the stalks/cobs. 

3. Corn is a grass relative. They need high amounts of nitrogen fertilizer to grow strong, lush, green stalks which in turn produce bigger and fuller cobs of corn. Look for fertilizers that are high in nitrogen, at least 10% by weight or more. Apply small amounts of fertilizer every 3 weeks to keep a consistent supply of nitrogen for the plants.

4. Corn loves water. The plants will dry and brown up if the soil is too dry just like grass. Make sure moisture levels stay consistent. 

5. If you plan to save your own seed, please note that corn very easily cross pollinates with other corn varieties. Plant each variety at minimum 150FT apart to avoid cross pollination. 

Follow me on social media for more gardening and growing tips. IG, YT, and TikTok: jerrasgarden. 

PLANTING
Germination: 7-14 days

Seed Sowing Depth: 1-2 inches deep 

Sowing: Everyone recommends to direct sow corn as soon as soil temperatures reach over 85F. For some reason I have terrible germination when I direct sow corn. I believe my soil is just too moist since I am in Florida, which rots out the seeds. Because of this, I sow the seeds in 72-cell seed trays, 1 seed per cell, and transplant at the 3 week mark. It works perfectly every time. It is important to transplant no later than the 3 week mark or they get root bound which stunts their growth. 

Days to maturity: 100