Ornamental corn Stars and Stripes is a very colourful corn variety intended exclusively for decorative purposes. The ears consist of a mix of purple-red kernels, distributed across the cobs. However, the foliage of this ornamental corn provides the real spectacle: the leaves are strikingly striped in a variegated blend of light green, dark green, creamy white and soft pink. This plant therefore adds a colorful enhancement to your vegetable garden.
The ears of ornamental corn Stars and Stripes can be used in homemade dried bouquets after they have been thoroughly dried. It is also attractive to combine the dried ears with pumpkins and gourds to create a beautiful autumn display on, for example, garden tables. Ornamental corn Stars and Stripes can also be used to decorate homemade (Christmas) wreaths. Do not forget the beautifully striped and colored foliage, which can also be used for decoration. Dry the ears of this ornamental corn upside down in a moisture-free space with some air circulation (for example, outdoors under a canopy). Do not dry them in direct sunlight, as this may cause the colors to fade. For use in dried bouquets, it is necessary to leave a piece of the stem attached. Leave the outer leaves around the cob during drying. Allow the ears to dry for 2 to 3 weeks before removing the leaves from the cobs. Non hardy annual. Height: 150 - 200 cm.
Indoor sowing: from the middle of March
Outdoor sowing: May - June
Germination: 10 - 14 days
Germination temp.: 10 - 20°C
Sowing depth: 2½ cm
Planting outside: May
Planting distance: 45 - 55 cm
Plant position: full sun and sheltered against the wind
Harvest period: September - November
For an early harvest, pre-sow indoors in early spring. Sow 1 seed per pot 2½ cm deep at at least 10 ºC, extra warmth ensures better germination. Plant out the young seedlings in the garden after the last night frost. Harden off the young plants before planting in the garden.
Sow outdoors from May - June.Sow directly in the garden after the last night frost. Sow the corn in rows with a planting distance of 45 cm and a row distance of 45 cm. Sow in blocks to optimise pollination.
Ornamental maize can be harvested from September. Make sure the tassels at the top of the cobs are completely brown and the outside of the cobs should be yellow and dry to the touch. Break off the cobs from the plant, leaving a piece of stem. The leaves around the cob should also stay on during drying. Hang the cobs to dry upside down in a moisture-free place with air circulation (e.g. outside under a shelter). Do not let the cobs dry in the sun as this may fade the colours. Let the cobs dry for 2-3 weeks before removing the leaves around them. Do not plant ornamental corn near other corn varieties. The cross-pollination that may follow can negatively affect the quality of the corn.
