Ornamental Corn Seneca Red Stalker originates from the United States and has its roots among the Seneca people of New York State. The variety is a selection of the older Seneca Indian corn variety. Ornamental Corn Seneca Red Stalker is particularly striking for its distinctive dark red to purple-coloured stalks and husks. Combined with the green foliage, this creates a beautiful colour contrast. This also makes the plants a real eye-catcher in the vegetable or ornamental garden. The large ears grow to approximately 20 - 23 cm in length and are densely covered with glossy, multicoloured kernels. Yellow, white, red, blue and black kernels appear in various combinations. This makes every ear different and gives this corn variety its particularly decorative appearance. The mature ears are ideal for autumn decorations, dried flower arrangements and floral displays. In addition to its ornamental value, this corn variety also has a practical use. The fully mature and dried kernels can be ground into cornmeal, which is suitable for making cornbread and other dishes using cornmeal. It is not sweet corn intended for fresh consumption.
Once the ears of Ornamental Corn Seneca Red Stalker have been thoroughly dried, they can be used in homemade dried flower arrangements. The dried ears also look lovely when combined with pumpkins and gourds to create a beautiful autumn display, for example on garden tables. Ornamental Corn Seneca Red Stalker can also be used to decorate homemade wreaths, including Christmas wreaths. Dry the ears upside down in a dry, moisture-free place with some air circulation, for example outdoors under a sheltered roof. Do not dry them in direct sunlight, as this may cause the colours to fade. When using the ears in dried flower arrangements, it is important to leave a section of the stalk attached. Leave the outer husk leaves around the ear during drying. Allow the ears to dry for 2 - 3 weeks before using them for decorations. Non hardy annual. Height: 210 - 300 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.
