Corn Seeds - Flour - Montana Morado Maize

Name: Corn Seeds - Flour - Montana Morado Maize
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: CN39
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Turn heads and tantalize taste buds—Montana Morado Maize dazzles with its deep purple kernels and rich, nutty flavor, perfect for gourmet dishes and stunning garden displays.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: CN39

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

Montana Morado Maize stands out with its striking deep purple kernels, a testament to its ancient Andean heritage. This heirloom corn grows vigorously, reaching heights of up to 8 feet, making it a majestic addition to any cornfield. Typically maturing in about 100 to 120 days, it thrives in a variety of climates, though it particularly favors cooler regions. The tall stalks support large ears, each bursting with tightly packed kernels that transition from a soft lavender to a rich, dark violet as they mature.

The flavor profile of Montana Morado Maize is as unique as its appearance. The kernels have a subtly sweet, earthy taste with a hint of nuttiness, making them ideal for traditional dishes like cornmeal or tortillas. This variety is also perfect for popping, providing a visually stunning and delicious snack. Its rich color is not just for show; the anthocyanins in the kernels are known for their antioxidant properties, adding a nutritional punch to its culinary appeal.

Gardeners and chefs alike will appreciate the versatility of Montana Morado Maize. In the garden, it serves as both a functional crop and a decorative plant, creating a vibrant display as it sways in the breeze. In the kitchen, its versatility shines, whether ground into flour, roasted, or popped. Montana Morado Maize is a testament to the beauty and utility of heirloom varieties, offering both aesthetic pleasure and culinary delight.

$2⁰⁰ USD

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Minimum Seed Count

Life Cycle

Annual

Scientific Name

Zea mays var. amylacea

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 — 'Montana Morado Maize' (Zea mays)Insects & MitesCorn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea) (kernel damage, frass)Controls: Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) at early silk stage. Use row covers to prevent moths from laying eggs. Encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps by planting companion plants such as dill and fennel.European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) (stalk tunneling, broken stalks)Controls: Introduce Trichogramma wasps early in the season. Rotate crops annually to disrupt life cycles. Use pheromone traps to monitor and manage adult populations.DiseasesCommon Rust (Puccinia sorghi) (reddish-brown pustules on leaves)Controls: Plant resistant varieties and ensure proper spacing for air circulation. Apply fungicides like mancozeb or chlorothalonil at the first sign of disease. Remove and destroy infected plant debris post-harvest.Northern Corn Leaf Blight (Exserohilum turcicum) (elongated grayish lesions)Controls: Use resistant hybrids and practice crop rotation. Apply foliar fungicides as a preventive measure, especially during wet conditions. Maintain field sanitation by removing debris.Physiological & Environmental IssuesDrought Stress (leaf rolling, reduced growth)Solutions: Implement drip irrigation to maintain consistent soil moisture. Apply mulch to conserve water and regulate soil temperature. Select drought-tolerant maize varieties for arid regions.Nutrient Deficiency (yellowing leaves, stunted growth)Solutions: Conduct soil tests to determine nutrient levels. Apply balanced fertilizers based on soil test recommendations. Incorporate organic matter to improve soil fertility and structure.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Regularly inspect plants for signs of insect activity and disease symptoms.- Implement crop rotation and field sanitation to reduce pest and disease pressure.- Use pheromone traps and companion planting to enhance natural pest control.- Ensure adequate irrigation and nutrient management to promote healthy plant growth.- Apply preventive fungicides and insecticides as needed, following label instructions.

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Montana Morado Maize, the illustrious Purple Corn, emerges from the fertile and expansive plains of the Andes, particularly thriving in the regions of Peru and Bolivia. The name itself is steeped in cultural resonance: in Spanish, morado means \"purple,\" while maize is the term for corn, a staple crop revered by Andean civilizations. Some suggest the regal hue of the kernels evokes the rich, vibrant tapestries of the Inca, while others see it as a symbol of the deep connection between the earth and its people.For millennia, purple corn has been a cornerstone of Andean agriculture, cherished not only for its striking color but for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Indigenous communities have long incorporated it into their diets, using it to make chicha morada, a traditional beverage believed to invigorate the spirit and fortify the body against the harsh mountain climate. Beyond its culinary uses, purple corn held spiritual significance; it was often used in rituals and offerings to Pachamama, the Earth Mother, as a gesture of gratitude and reverence.Though it flourished quietly in the Andes for generations, the wider world began to recognize Montana Morado Maize in the late 20th century, as scientists and nutritionists explored its health benefits. Rich in anthocyanins, the compounds responsible for its deep purple color, this maize variety was found to have potent antioxidant properties. This discovery sparked interest in health-conscious circles, leading to a surge in demand for purple corn products across the globe.Montana Morado Maize also became a subject of botanical intrigue. Genetic studies revealed it to be a descendant of ancient maize varieties domesticated by pre-Columbian cultures thousands of years ago. This lineage explains its unique characteristics and resilience, traits that have allowed it to endure in the challenging Andean environment.While other maize varieties like the sweet corn and popcorn have gained popularity in modern agriculture, Purple Corn remains a revered staple: the crop that first captivated the imaginations of ancient Andean societies and continues to inspire contemporary culinary and health trends. It is the corn that transformed \"purple corn\" into a symbol of heritage and wellness, appearing in everything from gourmet dishes to nutritional supplements.Yet in its homeland, Montana Morado Maize is more than a health trend or culinary novelty. It is a cultural treasure, deeply intertwined with the traditions and landscapes of the Andes, a living testament to the ingenuity and resilience of its indigenous cultivators. To grow Purple Corn today is to participate in a narrative that bridges ancient traditions and modern innovation, honoring both the ancestral farmers who first nurtured its growth and the global community that now celebrates its legacy.

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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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