Variety field guide
What to expect from Abenaki Calais Flint corn Seeds
Abenaki Calais Flint corn seeds grow into upright/erect plants reaching 73–96 in and producing approximately 8 inches. The mixed kernels are suited to block planting, dependable pollination, dry or fresh harvest, and seed saving.
Read the complete product descriptionTraits, flavor, garden use, variety notes, and the full catalog record
Abenaki Calais Flint corn seeds grow into upright/erect plants reaching 73–96 in and producing approximately 8 inches. The mixed kernels are suited to block planting, dependable pollination, dry or fresh harvest, and seed saving. Abenaki Calais Corn Seeds produce abenaki Calais Flint bursts with heritage flavor and vibrant color, perfect for hearty cornbread and artisanal grits.
About Abenaki Calais
Abenaki Calais is an annual flint corn with mixed color, 73–96 in mature height or spread, and an upright/erect habit. Harvest form or size: approximately 8 inches. Botanically it is Zea mays L. Maturity or first bloom: 100-109 Days; germination: 7-10 Days at 70–85 °F. Best for block planting, dependable pollination, dry or fresh harvest, and seed saving. Discover the rich heritage of Abenaki Calais Flint Corn, a striking heirloom variety renowned for its vibrant color and robust flavor.
History and provenance
University of Vermont Extension describes Roy's Calais, also sold as Calais Flint or Abenaki Calais, as a northern flint corn whose presumed origin is connected with western Abenaki or Sokoki agriculture in Vermont. Roy Fair maintained the corn on his North Calais farm for more than fifty years during the twentieth century, and contemporary Abenaki food-sovereignty work continues to grow and share Calais corn. That documented association is retained while recognizing that a commercial packet still needs its own supplier and lot records to establish custody.
Growing facts
| Scientific name | Zea mays L. |
|---|---|
| Life cycle | Annual |
| Maturity / first bloom | 100-109 Days |
| Germination | 7-10 Days at 70–85 °F |
| Seed depth | 1 in |
| Plant height / spread | 73–96 in |
| Growth habit | Upright/Erect |
| Spacing | 10 in between plants; 30 in between rows |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Loamy; pH 6.0–6.5 |
| Water | Moderate |
| Support | No-Support |
Starting Abenaki Calais from seed
How to grow Abenaki Calais Flint corn
Botanical identity: Zea mays L. Life cycle: Annual.
Sow 1 in and use a seed-zone temperature near 70–85 °F. Expected emergence: 7-10 Days. Direct sow after frost when the seed zone is warm; do not soak seed in cold or waterlogged soil
Plant during Late Spring. Space plants 10 in apart with 30 in between rows or planting bands.
Provide Full sun, moderate water, and loamy near pH 6.0–6.5. Support: No-Support.
Garden performance and care
Plant Abenaki Calais in a block rather than one long row so wind-carried pollen reaches the silks. Keep the bed evenly watered from tasseling through ear fill, and protect mature ears from birds and mammals if seed saving. Expected emergence is 7-10 Days; the listed maturity or bloom timing is 100-109 Days.
Harvest, bloom, and uses
Abenaki Calais is best for block planting, dependable pollination, dry or fresh harvest, and seed saving. Harvest form or size: approximately 8 inches. Color at the principal harvest or mature stage: Mixed. Discover the rich heritage of Abenaki Calais Flint Corn, a striking heirloom variety renowned for its vibrant color and robust flavor.
Saving seed
Seed saving for Abenaki Calais Select several healthy, true-to-type plants so the saved lot represents the variety rather than one unusually early or large individual. Corn is wind-pollinated and highly outcrossing. Grow a substantial population in a block rather than one long row, and isolate the seed crop from other corn by distance, flowering time, or controlled pollination. Mark representative plants before pollen shed and remove clear off-types before they contribute pollen. For seed, leave ears until husks are brown and kernels are hard. Harvest before prolonged wet weather or animal loss, remove husks, and dry ears with strong air circulation until kernels cannot be dented with a fingernail. Shell, screen, and winnow only after full dry-down. Label the crop, cultivar, lot, year, field, population size, isolation method, selected plants, and any unusual ears. Store fully dry seed cool, dark, and protected from moisture and rodents. Test germination before an important planting.
Common problems
Abenaki Calais can be affected by poor pollination, corn earworm, armyworms, stalk lodging, smut, leaf diseases, birds, and rodents. Plant in a block, maintain even moisture at tasseling and silking, use balanced fertility, rotate crops, and inspect ears before storage. Uneven kernel fill usually points to pollen or silk stress rather than a seed-count problem.
Frequently asked questions
When is Abenaki Calais ready?
100-109 Days from direct sowing to dry seed or fully mature harvest
How long does germination take?
Expect 7-10 Days near 70–85 °F; actual emergence changes with moisture, seed condition, and soil temperature.
How large does it grow?
About 73–96 in with an upright/erect habit. Support: No-Support.
Can it grow in a container?
Best in an in-ground block large enough for dependable wind pollination; not recommended as a single container specimen.
How is it used?
Primary uses: block planting, dependable pollination, dry or fresh harvest, and seed saving. Discover the rich heritage of Abenaki Calais Flint Corn, a striking heirloom variety renowned for its vibrant color and robust flavor.
Can I save seed?
Yes where the crop biology allows, but keep compatible varieties isolated, use several healthy plants, wait for full seed maturity, dry thoroughly, and label the lot.
Minimum Seed Count:20 seeds
