Zea mays

The story of corn and people is a beautiful one of co-creation. Thousands of years ago, Indigenous people in modern-day Central America worked side-by-side with a wild grass named Teosinte until it became what we know as maize, or corn. From there, it traveled north and south all over the Western hemisphere along trade routes, and hundreds of different indigenous groups adapted it for their unique place on earth, where it shaped their diets and cultures. For thousands of years, Native communities have cared for their maize despite colonizers trying to separate them from it in order to control them. Both the corn and the corn stewards have survived, and it is through the generosity of both of them that we have the gift of corn today.

Seeds grown by Sonshine Acres in Emmett, Idaho and B&B Farms in Kuna, Idaho. 

70 seeds.

Directions: Direct seed after last frost. Corn is wind-pollinated and should be planted in at least 4'x4' blocks to achieve full cobs. Harvest when cobs have dried completely on the plant. Soaking overnight aids germination.

We have a lot to learn from Hopi farmers about how to farm in true cooperation with the land. Please refer to these videos to learn more about the traditional Hopi growing methods.

The Resiliency of Hopi Agriculture: 2000 Years of Planting

"Hopi Dry Farming" Ahkima's Field Hopi Reservation