Corn Seeds - Flint - Abenaki Calais

Name: Corn Seeds - Flint - Abenaki Calais
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: CN36
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Abenaki Calais Flint bursts with heritage flavor and vibrant color, perfect for hearty cornbread and artisanal grits.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: CN36

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

Discover the rich heritage of the Abenaki Calais Flint Corn, a striking organic variety renowned for its vibrant color and robust flavor. This heirloom corn, traditionally cultivated by the Abenaki people, grows to a majestic height of 8-10 feet, offering a bountiful harvest of multi-colored kernels. Each ear, approximately 8 inches long, showcases a beautiful array of red, orange, yellow, and purple hues, making it a stunning addition to any garden landscape.

With a typical maturity period of 100-110 days, Abenaki Calais Flint Corn is well-suited for northern climates and thrives in well-drained soil with ample sunlight. Its sturdy stalks and resistance to lodging ensure a reliable yield, while its flint kernels are ideal for grinding into cornmeal or polenta, providing a distinctive, hearty flavor that enhances a variety of dishes. This corn's dense texture and nutty taste make it a favorite among culinary enthusiasts seeking authentic, homegrown ingredients.

Beyond its culinary applications, Abenaki Calais Flint Corn serves as a testament to sustainable agriculture and cultural preservation. Its rich history and adaptability to diverse growing conditions highlight the importance of heirloom varieties in maintaining biodiversity. By cultivating this organic corn, you not only enjoy its delicious and versatile uses but also contribute to the legacy of traditional farming practices. Embrace the opportunity to grow a piece of history in your own garden with Abenaki Calais Flint Corn.

$2⁰⁰ USD

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Minimum Seed Count

Life Cycle

Annual

Scientific Name

Zea mays var. indurata

Maturity

100-109 Days (from transplant)

Grow Location

In-ground bed, Raised bed, High Tunnel, Community garden

Non-GMO Safe Seed Pledge

Common Pests & Problems — 'Abenaki Calais Flint' (Zea mays)Insects & MitesCorn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea)Controls: Monitor for eggs on silks; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad at early silk stage. Use row covers to prevent moths from laying eggs. Encourage beneficial insects like trichogramma wasps.European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis)Controls: Scout for egg masses on leaves; introduce parasitic wasps (Trichogramma spp.) early in the season. Apply Bt when larvae are small. Rotate crops to disrupt life cycles.Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)Controls: Inspect for feeding damage and frass; use pheromone traps to monitor adult moths. Apply insecticides like spinosad or Bt when larvae are young. Encourage predatory beetles and birds.DiseasesCommon Rust (Puccinia sorghi)Controls: Plant rust-resistant varieties. Apply fungicides like mancozeb or chlorothalonil at the first sign of infection. Ensure good air circulation by proper spacing.Northern Corn Leaf Blight (Exserohilum turcicum)Controls: Use resistant varieties and rotate crops. Apply fungicides such as azoxystrobin or propiconazole when lesions first appear. Avoid overhead irrigation to reduce leaf wetness.Stewart's Wilt (Pantoea stewartii)Controls: Control flea beetles, which spread the disease, using row covers or insecticides like pyrethrin. Plant resistant varieties and practice crop rotation.Physiological & Environmental IssuesDrought StressSymptoms: Leaf rolling, reduced growth, and poor kernel development.Management: Ensure consistent watering, especially during tasseling and ear development. Mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce competition from weeds.Nutrient DeficiencySymptoms: Yellowing leaves (nitrogen), purple leaves (phosphorus), and poor growth.Management: Conduct soil tests and amend soil with appropriate fertilizers. Use compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests and diseases.- Implement crop rotation and plant resistant varieties.- Encourage beneficial insects and maintain biodiversity.- Use row covers and barriers to protect young plants.- Ensure proper watering and nutrient management.- Apply organic or chemical controls as needed, following label instructions.

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Abenaki Calais Flint Corn, a storied heirloom grain, hails from the fertile fields of the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont and the broader region once inhabited by the Abenaki people. The name itself carries deep cultural resonance: \"Abenaki\" refers to the Native American tribe renowned for their agricultural prowess, while \"Calais\" nods to the town in Vermont where this corn was notably cultivated. Flint corn, known for its hard, vitreous kernels, signifies durability and resilience, qualities cherished by the people who have grown it for generations.For countless seasons, Abenaki Calais Flint Corn has been a staple in the diet and culture of the Abenaki tribe. Its robust kernels were traditionally ground into meal for cornbread, mush, and porridge, providing sustenance through harsh winters. Beyond its nutritional value, the corn played a vital role in ceremonial practices and was often used in trade with neighboring tribes. Its vibrant colors, ranging from deep reds to golden yellows, were celebrated in local folklore and art, symbolizing the bounty of the earth and the cycle of life.The Abenaki people, skilled in sustainable farming techniques, cultivated this corn using methods that enriched the soil and supported biodiversity. They practiced intercropping, planting corn alongside beans and squash—the Three Sisters—creating a symbiotic growing environment that maximized yields and minimized pests. This agricultural wisdom, passed down through generations, reflects a profound understanding of ecological balance and harmony with nature.In the 20th century, as industrial agriculture expanded, many traditional corn varieties were overshadowed by hybrid breeds. However, the cultural and historical significance of Abenaki Calais Flint Corn sparked a revival among heritage seed savers and organic farmers. Its resilience to cold climates and adaptability to diverse growing conditions made it a prized variety for those seeking to preserve genetic diversity and sustainable agriculture practices.Botanically, Abenaki Calais Flint Corn is a member of Zea mays, sharing lineage with other ancient corn varieties cultivated by indigenous peoples across the Americas. Its unique genetic makeup contributes to its distinctive flavor and texture, which have been revered in culinary circles for their richness and depth.Today, Abenaki Calais Flint Corn stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of indigenous agriculture. It is more than a crop; it is a living connection to the past, embodying the resourcefulness and spirit of the Abenaki people. To plant this corn is to partake in a tradition that honors the land, celebrates cultural heritage, and nurtures a future where diversity and sustainability flourish. As it continues to gain recognition in organic farming and culinary arts, Abenaki Calais Flint Corn remains a symbol of resilience and renewal, a cherished heirloom that bridges history and modernity.

Shipped from U.S.A.

Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.

Triple tested

We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!

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