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How to Grow Black Aztec Corn

Black Aztec corn is an open pollinated variety of sweet corn that has a distinctive coloring. At full maturity, it has jet black, 7- to 8-inch ears. It is a versatile corn that can be used fresh at the milk stage for roasting, and stored and ground into corn meal once it is mature. The corn meal has a deep blue-black color. Black Aztec was introduced into the seed trade the 1860s and is said to have its roots with the ancient Aztecs.

Things You'll Need

  • Hoe
  • Black Aztec corn seeds
  • Watering can
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Instructions

    • 1

      Plant after the soil has warmed to around 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit or just after the average last frost date.

    • 2

      Hoe the planting area into rows 30 to 36 inches apart. Make the furrows 1/2-inch deep for cool moist soils and 1-1/2 inches deep for warm dry soils.

    • 3

      Plant the corn seeds 9 to 12 inches apart along each furrowed row. Cover over the seeds with soil and gently pack the soil down by hand.

    • 4

      Water the planted rows of corn with a watering can until the soil is evenly moist. Keep the soil moist throughout the growing season. Corn requires approximately 1 inch of water per week. Use a watering can to supplement in between rainfalls to keep the corn watered.