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Papa's Blue Corn is a stunning, early-maturing flour corn variety derived from Painted Mountain corn. It showcases vibrant blue kernels and represents a blend of Indigenous agricultural heritage and modern breeding efforts. This compact, adaptable corn thrives in diverse growing conditions, making it an excellent choice for small-scale farms, home gardens, or ornamental plantings. Known for its exceptional flavor and nutritional value, Papa's Blue Corn is valued for both its culinary uses and cultural significance.

Details:

• Type: Annual grain crop

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

• Hardiness Zones: 3-9

• Height: 4-5 feet tall

• Spread: 12-18 inches

• Maturity: 90-95 days

Uses:

• Grinding into cornmeal or flour for traditional blue corn dishes

• Making tortillas, tamales, and other Southwestern specialties

• Potential for use in craft distilling (whiskey, vodka)

• Natural food coloring agent

Growing Information:

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy loam rich in organic matter

• Water Needs: Moderate; relatively drought-tolerant once established

• Maintenance Level: Low to moderate

• Notes: 

  • Papa's Blue Corn is a modern heirloom variety bred by Ed Schultz from Painted Mountain corn. 

  • Its striking blue kernels are not only visually appealing but also pack a nutritional punch, with higher protein levels (9.2%) and antioxidants compared to commercial dent corns. 

  • This open-pollinated variety allows gardeners to save seeds for future plantings. 

  • The plants typically produce 1-2 ears per stalk, each measuring about 8-10 inches long. 

  • Papa's Blue Corn is ideal for gardeners interested in preserving genetic diversity, exploring traditional cuisines, and adapting corn to cooler climates with short growing seasons.

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