Variety field guide
What to expect from Earth Tones Dent corn Seeds
Earth Tones Dent corn seeds grow into upright/erect plants reaching 97–120 in and producing 8–10 in ears. The mixed kernels are suited to block planting, dependable pollination, dry or fresh harvest, and seed saving.
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Earth Tones Dent corn seeds grow into upright/erect plants reaching 97–120 in and producing 8–10 in ears. The mixed kernels are suited to block planting, dependable pollination, dry or fresh harvest, and seed saving. Earth Tones produces dry ears with muted rose, apricot, lavender, cream, green, and other pastel kernel colors.
Minimum seeds per packet: 20 seeds.
About Earth Tones
Earth Tones is an annual dent corn with mixed color, 97–120 in mature height or spread, and an upright/erect habit. Harvest form or size: 8–10 in ears. Botanically it is Zea mays L. Maturity or first bloom: 80-89 Days; germination: 7-10 Days at 70–85 °F. Best for block planting, dependable pollination, dry or fresh harvest, and seed saving. Full dry-corn flavor for meal, grits, hominy, or other processed grain uses.
History and provenance
Earth Tones is a named ornamental dent corn documented by Cornell Cooperative Extension for its pastel kernel colors, dent-corn class, ear size, and late-season maturity. The ears can combine muted rose, apricot, lavender, cream, green, and other soft tones, giving the dry harvest strong display value while retaining the starchy grain characteristics of dent corn. Cornell documents the cultivar as Earth Tones. No unsupported descent from a particular Indigenous, regional, or historic landrace is assigned without a source that establishes that relationship.
Growing facts
| Scientific name | Zea mays L. |
|---|---|
| Life cycle | Annual |
| Maturity / first bloom | 80-89 Days |
| Germination | 7-10 Days at 70–85 °F |
| Seed depth | 1 in |
| Plant height / spread | 97–120 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 Earth Tones from seed
How to grow Earth Tones Dent 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 Earth Tones 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 80-89 Days.
Harvest, bloom, and uses
Earth Tones is best for block planting, dependable pollination, dry or fresh harvest, and seed saving. Harvest form or size: 8–10 in ears. Color at the principal harvest or mature stage: Mixed. Full dry-corn flavor for meal, grits, hominy, or other processed grain uses.
Saving seed
Seed saving for Earth Tones 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
Earth Tones 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 Earth Tones ready?
80-89 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 97–120 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. Full dry-corn flavor for meal, grits, hominy, or other processed grain uses.
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.
