How to Grow Ornamental Corn
Zea Germination Information
Zea is the botanical name for Ornamental Corn
How to Sow Zea: - Best sown outdoors after all danger of frost is past in the spring
- Seeds can also be sown indoors, 2 weeks before last frost, at a temperature of 60-75°
- Indoors and out, sow at a depth of 4 times the size of the seed and expect germination in 7-10 days
How to Grow Zea: Spacing: Thin seedlings to 1 foot apart or transplant to same distance when there are at least two sets of true leaves
Soil: Site in full sun in a fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Additional Care: Hand pollinate the flowers to ensure that all of the colors appear on a single ear
Appearance and Use:
Grown as a specimen or accent in a mixed border. The ears make interesting dried specimens for autumn arrangements and displays. Plants grow to 15 feet tall with long, strap-shaped green leaves. Some cultivars have brightly variegated leaf patterns. The ears of ornamental corn with black, gold, white, purple, and red kernels develop in the summer
About Zea: Pronunciation: ze’å maz jå-pon’i-kå
Lifecycle: Annual
Origination: Poaceae; native to tropical America
Common Name: Ornamental Corn