Description

This colorful, open-pollinated sweet corn was developed from a cross of the heirloom sweet corn, 'Luther Hill', and 'Painted Mountain' flour (Indian) corn. Because 'Painted Mountain' was selected from the Rocky Mountains, 'Painted Hill' is adapted for short growing seasons and can germinate better than others in cool, wet soils. The 7″, multi-colored ears make a beautiful display, and every kernel is filled with robust, old-time corn flavor. Color is pale when fresh but intensifies when dried.

Botanical Name: Zea mays
Days to Maturity: 65–80 days
Family: Poaceae
Native: Americas
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive annual
Plant Dimensions: 5' tall
Variety Information: 7″ long ears with kernels in yellows, reds, purples, blues, and white. 'Painted Hill' is open-pollinated. Kernel color is pale at the fresh-eating stage. Darker colors develop as ears dry for colorful and unique ornamental corn.
Type: Sugary (su)

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″
Row Spacing: 24″–36″
Thinning: When 4″ tall, thin to 1 every 12″

Harvesting: Sweet corn is ready about 3 weeks after the silks appear. Harvest when the silks are brown, but not dried, and the husks are dark green; ears should be plump, and rounded rather than pointed at the tip. To test for ripeness, gently pull back the husk and pop a kernel; the liquid should be whitish; if it is still clear, ears are not quite ready.

This packet sows up to 19 feet. 38 seeds.