RARE (NATIVE AMERICAN) Heirloom Organic Black Aztec Corn Seeds (Black Mexican Corn) Seeds

RARE Heirloom Organic Black Aztec Corn Seeds (Black Mexican Corn) Seeds (8)

Black Mexican
Sweet Corn

85 days — This very old heirloom variety produces seven inch ears on approximately six foot tall plants. When the kernels are still light colored, the ears can be picked and used as sweet corn. Allowing the ears to mature, the kernels turn black, gray-black, or bluish-black in color. Harvested at that mature stage, it can be dried and ground for corn meal.

As with many heritage or heirloom seed varieties, the history of 'Black Mexican' becomes somewhat vague the farther back in time we dig. What we do know is that Burr referenced it in his 1863 book on garden vegetable varieties[1] and in that same year, James J. H. Gregory listed it in his seed company's catalog.[2] In 1875, J. J. H. Gregory said of this variety, "it is the sweetest and tenderest for table use of all varieties I am acquainted with."

Over the years it has been known as, or synonymous with, 'Black Aztec', 'Black Sugar', 'Black Sweet', 'Mexican Sweet', and simply as 'Mexican'. Fairly rare and in limited supply.

Planting
Black Aztec corn is a warm-season vegetable, meaning it requires warm temperatures to germinate and grow. Plant Black Aztec corn when soil temperatures are at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit after the last frost date. Full sun and well-draining, rich soil are a must for this crop. Black Aztec corn will benefit from a 2-inch layer of compost mixed into the top 6 inches of soil at the planting site. Plant seeds in groups of three spaced every nine to 12 inches along a row. Cover each seed grouping with 1 1/2 inches of soil and water thoroughly. Since this corn variety is open-pollinating, three to four short rows spaced 30 to 36 inches apart allow for adequate pollination.

Watering
Although Black Aztec corn is drought tolerant, supplemental watering is important to ensure a healthy, mature crop. It will grow in dry conditions, but cobs will be small with small, hard kernels. Soil moisture is especially critical when plants produce tassels for pollination and during fruit ripening. This corn variety grows best with at least 1 inch of water per week. Water corn rows when rainfall is scarce and when the top 1 inch of soil becomes dry.

Fertilizing
Corn plants are heavy nitrogen feeders, and the Black Aztec variety is no exception. Nitrogen deficiencies in Black Aztec corn cause leaves to turn yellow and growth to slow. Two high-nitrogen fertilizer applications during the growing season will ensure the crop has sufficient nutrients. Fertilize the corn plants with a 46-0-0 fertilizer when they reach 12 to 15 inches in height. Spread the fertilizer in a line, four to six inches to the side of the plants' bases, at a rate of 1/2 pound per 100 square feet. Rake the fertilizer into the soil and water the ground thoroughly. Make the second application at a rate of 1/4 pound per 100 square feet when plants produce silk tassels.

Maintenance
Black Aztec corn requires minimal maintenance besides watering and fertilizing. Regular weeding around the rows will stop unwanted plants from absorbing nitrogen meant for the corn plants. Removing weeds also eliminates hiding spots for corn pests such as the corn earworm, European corn borer, fall armyworm or corn rootworm. If these insects become a problem, set traps around the corn plants to attract and catch the insects. This works well for small infestations only. Larger populations must be treated with an insecticide sprayed onto the plant's leaves every five days when the insect's eggs hatch.