Corn Seeds, Painted Mountain
Corn Seeds, Painted Mountain
Corn Seeds, Painted Mountain
Corn Seeds, Painted Mountain
Corn Seeds, Painted Mountain
Corn Seeds, Painted Mountain
Corn Seeds, Painted Mountain
Corn Seeds, Painted Mountain
Corn Seeds, Painted Mountain
Corn Seeds, Painted Mountain
Corn Seeds, Painted Mountain
Corn Seeds, Painted Mountain
Corn Seeds, Painted Mountain
Corn Seeds, Painted Mountain

Corn Seeds,
Painted Mountain

4.648 Reviews#CN101 · 50 seeds
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Description

(Zea mays) Flour Corn. This corn is the very definition of rugged beauty! These incredibly tough plants were bred in the bitter cold mountains of Montana. They boast impressive cold hardiness, earliness, drought tolerance, and they thrive at high altitudes. Montana farmer Dave Christensen has dedicated his life to naturally breeding a corn that flourishes in harsh conditions. Since the 1970s, he has sampled over 70 open-pollinated corn varieties to create Painted Mountain from heirlooms grown by northern Native American tribes over thousands of years and homesteaders from harsh northern climates. The bright color of the kernels indicate a high nutrient content, making it an excellent corn for decoration or eating! Painted Mountain Corn can be eaten fresh, ground, or roasted, and it makes a highly nutritious flour for muffins, johnny cakes, tortillas, and chips!

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Zea mays
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
7–10
Days to Maturity
70–90
Planting Depth
1–2 in.
Plant Spacing
12 in.
Ideal Temperature
60°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Plant Painted Mountain corn when soil temperatures reach about 60 degrees F, after all danger of frost is past. It matures in about 70-90 days, making it suitable for regions with short growing seasons. This corn is particularly well-suited for high altitudes and areas prone to drought or cooler temperatures​​. For specific planting dates, refer to local frost date charts to ensure optimal timing. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Direct sow seeds 1-2 inches deep. Space the plants 12 inches apart in rows that are 30-36 inches apart. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged during germination, which typically takes 7-10 days​​. Succession planting prolongs harvest, while planting in blocks improves pollination.

How to Grow

Painted Mountain corn requires generous watering, especially during tasseling and ear development stages. Deep watering once or twice a week is recommended, more frequently during hot or dry periods. Corn is a heavy feeder, so side-dress with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer when plants are knee-high. Practice crop rotation and avoid chemical fertilizers to maintain soil health.

How to Save Seeds

  • Corn is wind pollinated and will easily cross with other varieties (including GMO corn!). You will need at least 1 mile of isolation to avoid cross pollination. You can also use staggered timing or caging techniques.
  • Hand pick ears when fully dried on stalk. Seeds keep best if left on the ear; just remove at planting time.
  • Sweet corn seeds will remain viable for 2 years; dent corn will last up to 5 years when properly stored.

FAQ

Can Painted Mountain corn be grown in containers?

Corn is wind-pollinated and needs a block of plants, at least 4 rows of 4, to fill its ears, so it is not a good container crop. If you try it, group several large, well-drained containers together rather than growing a single pot.

Is Painted Mountain corn suitable for high altitudes?

Yes, it's well-suited for high altitudes and cooler climates.

How do I prevent pests for Painted Mountain corn?

Use row covers to protect young plants and practice crop rotation to reduce pest build-up.

Browse our full range of corn seeds.

Customer reviews

4.6 / 5 48 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Jewel-toned ears: Every ear opens to a different mix of reds, purples and golds.

  • Tough in rough weather: Shrugs off late frost, drought and hail; ready in about 75 days.

  • Two to three ears: Two or three ears per stalk when fed well; small if starved or dry.

  • Flour and cornbread: Ground into meal for cornbread; sweet when eaten young.

  • Harvest timing: Let ears dry on the stalk or the colors never show.

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