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Produces striking, multi-colored ears of corn that showcase the rich agricultural heritage of Indigenous American cultures. Painted Mountain Corn is a modern heirloom variety that thrives in challenging climates and typically reaches heights of 5 feet, making it an excellent choice for small-scale farms, home gardens, or ornamental plantings. This hardy and adaptable corn is known for its cold tolerance, drought resistance, and is valued for both its ornamental appeal and nutritional qualities

Details:

• Type: Annual grain crop (flour corn)

• Native Region: Bred in Montana, USA from 70+ semi-extinct Native American heirlooms

• Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (adapts to elevations up to 7,000 ft)

• Height: 4-5 feet tall (shorter stalks = wind-resistant)

• Maturity: 70-90 days (85 days avg at 5,000 ft elevation)

Uses:

• Grinding into high-protein cornmeal/flour (13% protein)

• Fresh eating at "milk stage" (tender kernels)

• Traditional parching for portable snacks

• Nitrogen-rich livestock fodder from stalks

• Ornamental dried arrangements

Growing Information:

• Sun Exposure: Full sun (minimum 6 hours)

• Soil Type: Thrives in poor soils amended with wood chips or aged compost

• Water Needs: Drought-tolerant (deep roots access subsoil moisture)

• Maintenance Level: Low; pest/disease-resistant

• Notes:

  • Developed over 37 years (1970s-2000s) by Dave Christensen using Indigenous-derived genetics from Mandan, Hopi, and Northern Flint corns

  • Ears display 6-8" cobs with maroon, blue, yellow, white, and red kernels (natural variations occur)

  • Ideal for Three Sisters polycultures (plant with climbing beans and squash).

  • Stalks bioaccumulate silica - compost for soil structure.

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