Wampum, Corn Seed

Wampum Corn Seed

Early ornamental ears display a jewel-toned color mixture
Four-to-five-inch cobs resemble miniature Carousel corn
Compact ears excel in crafts and centerpieces
Dried kernels can also be popped

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Zea mays

Days to maturity

85 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

50 Seeds

About Wampum, Corn Seed, Corn Seed

The Wampum corn is an earlier version of a Carousel type of ornamental corn with ears that are 4-5 in. long and 1.25 in. diameter. This variety's colors may include many shades of yellow, gold, white, pink, red, blue, black, and purple. There is lots of color variation on a single ear. The Wampum's husk color is both maroon and white, resembling a Carousel and Mini Indian, but matures 2 weeks earlier.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

Days to Germination

4–10 days

In-row plant spacing

8-12"

Row Spacing

Plant profile

Maturity

Summer

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

84 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Type

FLOUR & CORNMEAL

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

100

Color

Multicolor

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Growing Season

Warm-Season Crop

Before Planting

Corn benefits from a full-sun, warm site with fertile, well-drained soil and good air circulation. Incorporate compost and adjust nutrients and pH according to a soil test, avoiding excessive nitrogen. Wait until frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed; harden transplants and install supports before planting when the crop requires them.

Planting

Direct sow corn after frost danger has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 60°F, or about 65°F for supersweet types. Plant in several short adjacent rows rather than one long row to improve wind pollination. Keep the seedbed evenly moist through emergence. Space plants 8–12 inches apart in rows about 30–36 inches apart.

Watering

Provide about 1–1½ inches of water weekly, increasing during hot weather. Consistent moisture is most important during tasseling, silking, and ear filling; water deeply at soil level.

Fertilizer

Side-dress corn with nitrogen when plants begin rapid growth and again if soil tests or leaf color indicate need. Avoid placing concentrated fertilizer against stems or roots.

Harvesting

Harvest sweet corn when silks are brown, husks remain green, and punctured kernels release milky juice. Twist ears downward to remove them and cool promptly. Leave dry or ornamental corn until kernels harden and husks dry.

Tips

Plant corn in blocks rather than a single long row for better wind pollination. Separate varieties with different maturity dates or adequate distance when cross-pollination could affect eating quality.

AVG. Seeding Rate

1M/500', 5M/2,500', 25M/12,500', 30M/acre at 2 seeds/ft. in rows 36" apart.

Pests & Diseases

Northern leaf blight, gray leaf spot, common rust, smut, and ear rots are major corn diseases. Choose resistant hybrids and rotate or bury infected residue. Remove smut galls before they rupture. Moldy ears may contain mycotoxins; discard them rather than feeding or saving affected grain.

Corn earworms, European corn borers, armyworms, cutworms, wireworms, and birds are common. Monitor silks and whorls, use appropriate biological controls, rotate fields, and protect ripening ears when necessary.