Variegated Maize

What Variegated Maize is

Variegated Maize (Zea mays) is an annual vegetable of the grass family (Poaceae). A gorgeous ornamental corn with green-and-white variegated leaves with pink edges.

Variegated ornamental corn is a herbaceous annual with a sculptural form and gracefully arching foliage.

Its wonderfully bold, coarse texture can be very effective in the garden and on the balcony.

Keep in mind that when growing plants in containers and baskets outdoors, they may need more frequent watering than in the yard or garden.

Home-grown sweet corn, boiled or roasted minutes after picking, is incomparably sweeter than shop-bought. Popcorn and ornamental varieties are a pleasure of their own.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 88%
• Seeds per packet: 4–6 pcs (1 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: April and May; direct
• Harvest: August and September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Variegated Maize

Variegated Maize seeds are sown in April and May. Harvest in August and September. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Variegated Maize

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 3–5 cm
• Spacing: 25–30 cm in the row, 60–70 cm between rows
• Germination: 6–10 days at 15–25 °C
• Position: sunny spot

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in medium to moist conditions and should not be allowed to dry out. It is tolerant of urban pollution to some extent. This is a selection of a native North American species. Variegated ornamental corn is a good choice for the garden, but also a good choice for planting in outdoor pots and containers. To proceed with sowing corn, the soil temperature must have reached a steady 8-10°C. In temperate-climate soil conditions, sowing should be done between 5 April and 5-10 May.

Sow in a block of at least 3–4 rows (rather than one long row) — this improves pollination and the cobs are full. Do not sow within 100 m of other corn if you want a sweet flavour.

Harvest and use

Sweet corn is ready when the silks turn brown and the kernel releases milky juice when pressed. Popcorn varieties stay on the plant until fully dry.

Frequently asked questions

When should Variegated Maize be sown?

The recommended sowing months are April and May. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 4–6 seeds, pack size 1 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 88%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Why are the cobs not full?

Most often from poor pollination — sow in a square block, not in a single row.