Striped Japonica Ornamental Corn Seeds

Organic, Heirloom

#2038

This packet sows up to 16 feet.

(7 reviews)

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Availability: In Stock

This beautiful, 5'–6' tall, ornamental heirloom corn dates back to at least the mid-1800s when it was brought to America from Japan. It has green, variegated leaves of pink, creamy white, yellow stripes, and dark purple tassels. A striking backdrop to a flowerbed or vegetable garden. Its cobs produce dark burgundy kernels that can be dried and saved for autumn displays or ground into a richly colored cornmeal.

$3.49 5 grams (~22 seeds)

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Botanical Name: Zea mays

Days to Maturity: 85 days

Family: Poaceae

Native: Americas

Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual

Plant Dimensions: 5'–6' tall stalks

Variety Information: Green, variegated leaves striped with pink, creamy white, and yellow; dark purple tassels. 6"–7" long ears with dark burgundy kernels.

Type: Dent (Learn More)

When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 60°F, ideally 65°–90°F.

When to Start Inside: Not recommended; roots sensitive to transplanting. Best results occur when seedlings are transplanted less than 2 weeks old.

Days to Emerge: 5–10 days

Seed Depth: 1"–1 ½"

Seed Spacing: A group of 2 seeds every 12"–18"

Row Spacing: 24"–36"

Thinning: When 4" tall, thin to 1 every 12"–18"

Corn: Sow and Grow Guide
Three Sisters Gardening: Native American Companion Planting
Corn: Pollination

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Striped Japonica Ornamental Corn Seeds Reviews

7 reviews

Poor Germination, Not Colorful

Jun 8, 2020

This germinated incredibly poorly, almost all of the seeds got mold and rotted in the ground while my much older Painted Mountain and Indian Berries corn took off. The seeds that did sprout were sickly, and the stalks were not the advertised color.

D. Martin from MA

Owner Response: Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are sorry you saw poor germination with this product. Seeds molding is often a sign of wet conditions that are too cool, as this corn is not adapted to cool soils like 'Painted Mountian'. It is normal for seedlings to be green until the put on a significant amount of growth in full sun, likely to maximize photosynthesis in young plants. Our customer service department and horticulturists are always available to help troubleshoot issues. A customer service agent will be with you shortly.

Beautiful Corn

Sep 22, 2020

Every year I try something new and this year it was the Japonica corn. It has done very well in my vegetable garden. I started the seed in peat pots and had no issues with germination. All of the stalks were variegated. It did suffer some hail damage but didn't stop any growth. It has produced many beautiful ears of corn. I highly recommend giving it a try.

Amy Legg-Rogers from CO

Pretty

Jan 26, 2021

Very colorful plant and the cobs are amazing. It is the perfect edible ornamental.

anonymous from AL

Not quite

Jul 19, 2021

I started these seeds inside and transplanted them as a backdrop in an ornamental bed. They are healthy and vigorous, but none of them display a color other than green, except s as to the very base of the stalk, which is a dark red. They're about 2 feet high now, so I think it&s time to accept they're not going to show any variegation.

Miranda from AL

Owner Response: Hi Miranda, Thank you for your review. The variation progresses as the plants age however, full sun (over 6 hours a day) and propper spacing are also important. We hope that helps.

Satisfied

Oct 21, 2021

I bought this corn as a fall display in my front yard this year. I like that it is not too tall and the variegation is beautiful. It complements my decor and other fall plants beautifully. The variegation appears more as the corn grows and some stalks have less than others. Overall, very happy. I will grow this again!

Sharon from CA

Beautiful Red Corn

Dec 2, 2021

Started seeds indoors got good germination ( had not done well in previous year started outdoors), transplanted well and produced at least one full, and one small ear each stalk. Foliage very beautifully variegated. Dried and now ready to grind for meal, red cornbread!!

Laura from WA

Looked good on paper: will try again

Dec 25, 2021

Looks like an amazing plant but due to weird and unpredictable spring weather nothing came to fruition unfortunately but will try again because it's such a unique product.

Patrick from MI

Owner Response: Hi Patrick, A soil thermometer is helpful for monitoring one of the most important germination factors--soil temperature. We sure hope you have better success this year and we are always happy to help troubleshoot issues.