Growing Ornamental Corn: Adding Beauty to your Garden
Are you looking for a way to add visual interest to your garden? Consider growing ornamental corn! Not only is it beautiful, but it's also easy to grow and can be used for fall decorations. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about growing ornamental corn.
Choosing the Right Variety
Before you begin growing ornamental corn, you need to choose the right variety. There are many different types of ornamental corn, including Flint, Dent, and Popcorn. Each type has its own unique characteristics and colors. For example, Flint corn comes in shades of red, orange, and purple, while Popcorn corn is available in shades of white, yellow, and black.
You should also consider the size of the ears of corn. Some varieties have small, dainty ears while others have large, showy ones. It's important to consider the scale of your garden when choosing the size of your ornamental corn.
Planting and Growing Conditions
Ornamental corn is easy to grow and thrives in full sun with well-draining soil. It's best to plant ornamental corn after the last frost date in your area. You should plant the seeds about an inch deep and six inches apart. The plants will grow quickly and will need to be thinned to prevent overcrowding.
It's important to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the hot summer months. Fertilize the plants every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.
Harvesting and Using Ornamental Corn
Ornamental corn is typically harvested in late summer or early fall. The ears should be picked when they are fully mature but before the first frost. To dry the ears of corn, hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area. Once they are completely dry, you can use them for fall decorations such as wreaths and centerpieces.
Another way to use ornamental corn is to grind it into flour. While most ornamental corn isn't suitable for human consumption, some types like heirloom popcorn can be ground into flour and used for baking.
Pest and Disease Control
While ornamental corn is relatively easy to grow, it's still susceptible to pests and diseases. Common pests that affect corn include aphids, corn borers, and earworms. To prevent infestations, regularly inspect your plants and remove any infected leaves or insects.
One disease that affects ornamental corn is called smut. Smut appears as black, greasy spots on the ears of corn. To prevent smut, plant disease-resistant varieties of ornamental corn and avoid planting them in the same spot year after year.
Growing ornamental corn is a great way to add beauty and visual interest to your garden. With the right variety and growing conditions, you can grow gorgeous ears of corn that can be used for fall decorations or ground into flour for baking. If you're looking for an easy-to-grow crop that packs a visual punch, consider growing ornamental corn.
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