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Montana Morado Maize Corn Seeds

Scientific name Zea mays L. subsp. mays

About this variety

Montana Morado Maize: Compact black flour corn developed for short, climate-stressed seasons.About this varietyMontana Morado Maize is a black flour corn developed by Dave Christensen. The breeder-maintainer documents 4 to 5 foot plants, long slender ears with eight rows of shiny black kernels, and dry maturity in about 90 to 110 days.GrowingDirect sow in late spring after frost...

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Alliance of Native Seedkeepers  |  SKU: CN39
$150 USD $200
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Pickup available at Bertie County Seeds

Usually ready in 2-4 days

At a glance

The facts most gardeners need first

View the full variety record
20 minimum seeds per packet
  • Germination7–14 Days days · 65–80 °F
  • SunFull sun
  • Support & spacingNo-Support · space 10 in · rows 30 in
  • Growth habitUpright/Erect · Annual · 49–60 in tall
  • Best useBlack corn flour, cornmeal, short-season dry-grain gardens, drought-prone sites, and seed stewardship
  • Before sowingUse clean seed-starting conditions, the listed sowing depth and temperature, and steady moisture without saturation
Secure checkout Details
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Triple-tested seed qualityRegular quality and germination checks support every packet.

We regularly test seed quality and germination as lots move through storage and packing. We stand behind the seed we send and want customers to contact us when a packet does not perform as reasonably expected.

1-year seed warrantyCoverage begins on the date of purchase.

When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from the date of purchase. Conditions outside our control—including extreme weather, pests, unsuitable storage, and gardener error—are excluded. Contact us when something is not right so we can review the situation and work toward a replacement, refund, or another fair resolution.

Non-GMO / BE seed policyWe do not buy or sell genetically engineered or bioengineered seed.

Every seed variety we sell is non-GMO.

USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard defines bioengineered foods as containing detectable genetic material modified through in vitro recombinant DNA methods in ways not achievable through conventional breeding or found in nature.

  • Hybrid means parent lines were conventionally crossed; hybrid does not mean GMO.
  • Heirloom and open-pollinated describe how a variety is maintained and reproduced.
  • Organic certification is separate and is shown only when verified for the individual product.

Read how we define heirloom, hybrid, and GMO/BE seed · USDA BE Standard

Packed in Colerain, North CarolinaPrepared in our seed room for gardens across the country.

Seeds are packed and shipped from Colerain, North Carolina. Our packets use forestry-certified paper, and we use recyclable paper mailers where appropriate. AONSK is also a 1% for the Planet partner while continuing to reduce waste in packing and fulfillment.

Seed-starting profileDifficulty, preparation, reliability, and timing Open

Seed success profile

Gardener experience Beginner-friendly
Germination difficulty Straightforward
Preparation before sowing
Use clean seed-starting conditions, the listed sowing depth and temperature, and steady moisture without saturation
Germination speed
7–14 Days
Growing complexity
Population crop requiring block planting, wind pollination, steady moisture, and isolation when saving seed
Patience and timing
90-99 Days
Is this seed a good match for your experience?
Expected germination
7–14 Days
Germination temperature
65–80 °F
Stratification
Not normally required by the current record
Scarification
Not normally required by the current record
Pre-soaking
Not normally required by the current record
Light during germination
Cover to the recorded depth; provide strong light immediately after emergence
Germination pattern
Usually reliable when seed is stored well and temperature, depth, moisture, and preparation match the recorded requirements
Transplant sensitivity
Use the crop-specific starting method and minimize unnecessary root disturbance
Starting method
Cataloged as suitable for direct sowing; follow the product-specific timing and depth.
Best chance of success
For Montana Morado Maize Corn Seeds, control temperature and moisture at sowing, label the start date, and compare emergence with the complete recorded germination window before reseeding.
Planning window

Plan around 7–14 Daysat65–80 °F. Keep moisture, light, and preparation aligned with the sowing instructions below.

Slow germination is not automatically failed germination.

Maintain the listed temperature, moisture, light, and treatment conditions for the full expected window. Some seed lots emerge gradually rather than all at once.

1 Beginner-friendly 2 One extra step 3 Some experience helpful 4 Patient growers 5 Advanced propagation

Seed age, storage, sowing depth, moisture, temperature, light, local conditions, and aftercare can affect results. Last reviewed July 2026.

Browse AONSK seed-starting and garden guides

Garden tools

Need a plan for your space?

Open the garden-fit planner or soil calculator only when you need them.

Open garden tools Uses this product’s recorded growing information. Local weather and garden conditions may vary.

About this variety

What to expect from Montana Morado Maize Corn Seeds

Compact black flour corn developed for short, climate-stressed seasons.

Read the complete product descriptionTraits, flavor, garden use, variety notes, and the full catalog record

Montana Morado Maize: Compact black flour corn developed for short, climate-stressed seasons.

About this variety

Montana Morado Maize is a black flour corn developed by Dave Christensen. The breeder-maintainer documents 4 to 5 foot plants, long slender ears with eight rows of shiny black kernels, and dry maturity in about 90 to 110 days.

Growing

Direct sow in late spring after frost danger has passed and the soil at planting depth has warmed to about 60 to 65°F. Sow about 1 in deep, space plants about 10 in apart, and allow about 30 in between rows. Plant in a block of at least four short rows rather than one long row so wind-borne pollen can reach the silks. Grow in full sun in well-drained loam near pH 6.0–6.5. Use soil-test recommendations and compost or other appropriate fertility inputs because corn is a heavy feeder. Provide about 1 inch of water per week when rainfall is limited, with special attention during tasseling, silking, and ear fill. Cultivate shallowly to avoid damaging roots.

Harvest and use

Allow husks and kernels to dry completely on the plant, then harvest before a hard freeze or prolonged wet weather. Cure under cover, shell only fully dry kernels, and grind the soft flour corn for meal, flour, or cornbread.

Saving seed

For true-to-type seed saving, begin with seed confirmed to be open-pollinated. If the planting is open-pollinated, grow a broad population, preferably at least 200 plants, and select healthy true-to-type plants before pollen shed when possible. Corn is wind-pollinated and crosses readily. Grow one flowering variety at a time, isolate by adequate distance, or use a documented flowering-time plan. Allow seed ears to remain until husks are brown and kernels are very hard. Harvest before prolonged wet weather, cure ears with strong airflow, shell only when fully dry, remove damaged or off-type seed, and label the cultivar, year, field, and lot. Store cool, dark, and dry.

Additional variety overview

Montana Morado Maize is a black flour corn developed by Dave Christensen. The breeder-maintainer documents 4 to 5 foot plants, long slender ears with eight rows of shiny black kernels, and dry maturity in about 90 to 110 days.
View all growing and care factsBotanical identity, timing, climate, soil, spacing, mature size, and crop-specific details

Plant identity

Minimum seed count 20 seeds
Seed product profile Corn
Scientific name Zea mays L. subsp. mays
Common name Black Flour Corn
Cultivar or variety Montana Morado Maize
Also known as Corn, Maize, Corn Seeds - Flour - Montana Morado Maize
Color Black
Life cycle Annual
Botanical family Poaceae
Heritage qualifiers Heirloom
Native to the United States Domesticated Plant
Domestication note Mesoamerica (Mexico–Central America)

Seed success and gardener experience

Gardener experience Beginner-friendlyLevel 2 of 5
Germination difficulty StraightforwardLevel 2 of 5
Preparation before sowing Use clean seed-starting conditions, the listed sowing depth and temperature, and steady moisture without saturation
Stratification Not normally required by the current record
Scarification Not normally required by the current record
Pre-soaking Not normally required by the current record
Light during germination Cover to the recorded depth; provide strong light immediately after emergence
Germination pattern Usually reliable when seed is stored well and temperature, depth, moisture, and preparation match the recorded requirements
Growing complexity Population crop requiring block planting, wind pollination, steady moisture, and isolation when saving seed
Transplant sensitivity Use the crop-specific starting method and minimize unnecessary root disturbance
First harvest or bloom 90-99 Days
Best chance of success For Montana Morado Maize Corn Seeds, control temperature and moisture at sowing, label the start date, and compare emergence with the complete recorded germination window before reseeding.

Timing and climate

Germination 7–14 Days
Germination temperature 65–80 °F
Planting season Late Spring
Bloom season Summer
Frost tolerance Tender
Sunlight Full sun
Water needs Drought tolerant

Site, soil, and space

Soil type Loamy
Preferred soil pH 6.0–6.5
Seed depth 1 in
Plant spacing 10 in
Row spacing 30 in
Mature height 49–60 in
Growth habit Upright/Erect
Support needed No-Support
Suitable growing locations In-ground bed, Raised bed, High Tunnel, Community garden

Crop-specific details

Fruit size Long slender ears; 8 kernel rows
Garden toolsOpen the garden-fit planner, planting-window questions, or soil calculator only when useful

Uses this product’s recorded growing information. Local weather, soil, and garden conditions may vary.

Garden-fit planning for this variety

Will Montana Morado Maize Corn Seeds fit your garden?

Check block size, wind pollination, isolation, season length, and intended food or seed use.

Questions for this corn seed
Seed-starting fit and patience
Recorded product profileBeginner-friendlyStraightforwardRead why
Soil test, pH, drainage, and amendment calculator Have a laboratory soil report? Enter pH, nutrients, texture, bed size, and site observations here. Open soil tools
Recorded soil typeLoamy
Recorded pH range6.0–6.5
Water needsDrought tolerant
LightFull sun

Use a current laboratory soil test

Soil-test interpreter

Compare your report with this product's listed pH target: 6.0–6.5.

This tool interprets values you enter; it does not replace laboratory or Cooperative Extension amendment rates. Soil test methods and nutrient recommendations vary by region.

Full growing record

Open only the section you need

How to start Montana Morado Maize Corn Seeds from seedPreparation, timing, depth, germination, transplanting, spacing, and early care

Recorded germination plan

Expected germination
7–14 Days
Germination temperature
65–80 °F

Complete sowing and planting guidance

Direct sow in late spring after frost danger has passed and the soil at planting depth has warmed to about 60 to 65°F. Sow about 1 in deep, space plants about 10 in apart, and allow about 30 in between rows. Plant in a block of at least four short rows rather than one long row so wind-borne pollen can reach the silks. Grow in full sun in well-drained loam near pH 6.0–6.5. Use soil-test recommendations and compost or other appropriate fertility inputs because corn is a heavy feeder. Provide about 1 inch of water per week when rainfall is limited, with special attention during tasseling, silking, and ear fill. Cultivate shallowly to avoid damaging roots.
How to grow this specific varietyLight, water, fertility, support, spacing, airflow, crop behavior, and season-long care

Variety-specific growing notes

Direct sow in late spring after frost danger has passed and the soil at planting depth has warmed to about 60 to 65°F. Sow about 1 in deep, space plants about 10 in apart, and allow about 30 in between rows. Plant in a block of at least four short rows rather than one long row so wind-borne pollen can reach the silks. Grow in full sun in well-drained loam near pH 6.0–6.5. Use soil-test recommendations and compost or other appropriate fertility inputs because corn is a heavy feeder. Provide about 1 inch of water per week when rainfall is limited, with special attention during tasseling, silking, and ear fill. Cultivate shallowly to avoid damaging roots.

Cultivar note: The breeder-maintainer reports approximately 90 to 110 days, which crosses multiple catalog maturity bands. Documented ear traits: Long slender ears; 8 kernel rows. The structured plant-height band is 49–60 in. For sound dry grain, let kernels harden fully and provide strong airflow during curing.

Complete growing guide

Direct sow in late spring after frost danger has passed and the soil at planting depth has warmed to about 60 to 65°F. Sow about 1 in deep, space plants about 10 in apart, and allow about 30 in between rows. Plant in a block of at least four short rows rather than one long row so wind-borne pollen can reach the silks. Grow in full sun in well-drained loam near pH 6.0–6.5. Use soil-test recommendations and compost or other appropriate fertility inputs because corn is a heavy feeder. Provide about 1 inch of water per week when rainfall is limited, with special attention during tasseling, silking, and ear fill. Cultivate shallowly to avoid damaging roots.

Practical field and garden tips

The breeder-maintainer reports approximately 90 to 110 days, which crosses multiple catalog maturity bands. Documented ear traits: Long slender ears; 8 kernel rows. The structured plant-height band is 49–60 in. For sound dry grain, let kernels harden fully and provide strong airflow during curing.
Harvest, storage, uses, and benefitsWhen and how to harvest, ways to use the crop, storage, culinary value, habitat value, and garden roles

Harvest and use notes

Harvest and use: Allow husks and kernels to dry completely on the plant, then harvest before a hard freeze or prolonged wet weather. Cure under cover, shell only fully dry kernels, and grind the soft flour corn for meal, flour, or cornbread.

Seed saving: For true-to-type seed saving, begin with seed confirmed to be open-pollinated. If the planting is open-pollinated, grow a broad population, preferably at least 200 plants, and select healthy true-to-type plants before pollen shed when possible. Corn is wind-pollinated and crosses readily. Grow one flowering variety at a time, isolate by adequate distance, or use a documented flowering-time plan. Allow seed ears to remain until husks are brown and kernels are very hard. Harvest before prolonged wet weather, cure ears with strong airflow, shell only when fully dry, remove damaged or off-type seed, and label the cultivar, year, field, and lot. Store cool, dark, and dry.

Uses and benefits

Allow husks and kernels to dry completely on the plant, then harvest before a hard freeze or prolonged wet weather. Cure under cover, shell only fully dry kernels, and grind the soft flour corn for meal, flour, or cornbread.
Seed saving and carrying the variety forwardPollination, isolation, selection, harvest, cleaning, drying, and storage
For true-to-type seed saving, begin with seed confirmed to be open-pollinated. If the planting is open-pollinated, grow a broad population, preferably at least 200 plants, and select healthy true-to-type plants before pollen shed when possible. Corn is wind-pollinated and crosses readily. Grow one flowering variety at a time, isolate by adequate distance, or use a documented flowering-time plan. Allow seed ears to remain until husks are brown and kernels are very hard. Harvest before prolonged wet weather, cure ears with strong airflow, shell only when fully dry, remove damaged or off-type seed, and label the cultivar, year, field, and lot. Store cool, dark, and dry.
Problems and answersPests, diseases, troubleshooting, practical response, and product-specific questions

Variety troubleshooting summary

Watch for corn earworm, European corn borer, cutworms, aphids, armyworms, seedling rots, common smut, rust, and leaf blights. Plant into warm, well-drained soil; rotate away from corn; remove or incorporate crop residue promptly after harvest; maintain airflow; and inspect silks, ears, and leaves regularly. Remove smut galls before they release spores and discard them away from future corn ground.

Q: Why are there blank spaces on the ear? A: Incomplete wind pollination is common when corn is planted in one narrow row; use a block of at least four rows and maintain moisture during silking.
Q: When is dry corn ready? A: Harvest when husks are brown and kernels are hard, then cure fully before shelling.
Q: Will saved seed reproduce this variety? A: Hybrid seed will segregate; otherwise confirm that the source seed is open-pollinated before saving for true-to-type seed.

Complete pest and problem guide

Watch for corn earworm, European corn borer, cutworms, aphids, armyworms, seedling rots, common smut, rust, and leaf blights. Plant into warm, well-drained soil; rotate away from corn; remove or incorporate crop residue promptly after harvest; maintain airflow; and inspect silks, ears, and leaves regularly. Remove smut galls before they release spores and discard them away from future corn ground.

Questions gardeners ask

Q: Why are there blank spaces on the ear? A: Incomplete wind pollination is common when corn is planted in one narrow row; use a block of at least four rows and maintain moisture during silking.
Q: When is dry corn ready? A: Harvest when husks are brown and kernels are hard, then cure fully before shelling.
Q: Will saved seed reproduce this variety? A: Hybrid seed will segregate; otherwise confirm that the source seed is open-pollinated before saving for true-to-type seed.
History, provenance, and cultural contextWhat is documented, what is reported, what remains uncertain, and how the variety reached gardeners

Scientific name: Zea mays L. subsp. mays

Common name: Black Flour Corn

Cultivar or variety: Montana Morado Maize

Provenance summary

The breeder-maintainer record documents the cultivar identity, development, current seed stewardship, plant height, ear form, kernel color, and maturity range.

Plant and variety history

North Frontier Farms identifies Dave Christensen as the developer who continues to advance Montana Morado Maize and documents current seed production in central Montana.

Source and record notes

https://www.northfrontierfarms.com/product-page/montana-morado-maize-seed-300-kernels
https://seedalliance.org/publications/sweet-corn-seed-production-quick-reference/
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn%3Alsid%3Aipni.org%3Anames%3A77172819-1

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