Wapsi Valley, Corn Seed

Wapsi Valley Corn Seed

Iowa heirloom corn carries rich Wapsipinicon Valley history
Colorful grain offers robust traditional corn flavor
Open-pollinated plants support future seed saving
Excellent for meal, feed, and heritage gardens

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Zea mays

Days to maturity

85 Days

Sun

Full Sun

About Wapsi Valley, Corn Seed, Corn Seed

Wapsie Valley heirloom corn is a traditional variety that hails from the Wapsipinicon River Valley in Iowa. Known for its rich history and unique flavor, this heirloom corn features tall, sturdy plants that produce large ears with colorful, often striped kernels ranging from yellow to blue and red. The kernels are prized for their taste and are typically used for making cornmeal, grits, and other culinary applications. Wapsie Valley corn is not just valued for its flavor; it also has good adaptability to different soil types and conditions, often thriving in diverse environments.

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

Above 96 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Type

CORNMEAL

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

Color

Multicolor, Blue, Red, Yellow

Seed Type

Heirloom

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.