ByThe month of October, with its crisp, cool days; clear, blue skies; and multi-colored trees, marks the inevitable

 end of summer and the transition to colder, harsher weather ahead.

However, it is also a gorgeous time to be out enjoying the bounties of the harvest and the exciting holidays of October and November. Gourds, pumpkins, colored leaves and a special variety of corn called “Indian corn” are available now for a myriad of uses. With its richly colored kernels, various sizes and resilient hardiness, Indian corn provides a wonderful natural element to include in your fall decorating.

Indian corn, itself, is also a very interesting plant with roots in very ancient history.

Indian corn or “maize” (mahiz as the American Indians called it) was originally cultivated by the Indians in the southern areas of North America. The ancestors of our modern corn plants originated in South America and from there were introduced into Central America. From here, maize made its way into North America by about 600 A.D.

By 600 A.D., many North American Indian tribes were growing and depending on maize as a staple food crop. Tribes in the East and Great Lakes areas often grew maize in household gardens or tribal fields at the edges of their villages. A method of gardening called “Three Sisters” was used by various Native American tribes. This technique consisted of growing corn, squash and beans together to produce a sustainable system that provided renewable soil fertility and a diet of healthy foods for the group.

The Three Sisters technique is a symbiotic relationship of plants. The large squash leaves provide ground cover to keep the soil moist for all three plant varieties. The corn stalks support the bean and squash vines and the beans replace nitrogen in the soil that is needed by the corn for healthy growth.

Christopher Columbus found maize growing in abundance when he came to North America in 1492 and he subsequently took it back to Spain where, by 1500, it was grown and flourishing there. By 1700, many European countries were cultivating maize and by the 18th century, corn was growing in Africa and Asia. Corn is now grown in most countries of the world and the U.S. and China lead in its world production.

There are many types of corn varieties and the multi-colored Indian corn (ornamental corn) is known as Flint corn. It can be grown in a wide range of colors and is primarily produced in Central and South America. Native American growers grew Indian corn in hues of red, pink, yellow, orange, blue, black, purple, brown and white. Developers today continue to produce new colors by crossbreeding.

Corn kernels can be produced in various colors on the same cob because each kernel has its own genetic make up. They grow on the same cob like siblings in the same home but each with his/her own genetic code. Though Indian corn is most often used for decorating, it can also be popped for popcorn or ground into flour. Indian corn makes a lovely decorative accent for the holidays. With its natural look and wide range of colors, several cobs can be tied together and hung on doors, walls or fencing. Or you may want to try one of the ideas for using Indian corn as given:

• A table centerpiece. Pull the husks back but not off on five to seven ears of corn. Lay half the ears pointing to one end of the table with the husks in the center. Lay the remaining ears pointing in the opposite direction with the husks slightly overlapping the other husks. Arrange a variety of sizes of gourds or pumpkins on top of the husks.

• A holiday garland. Pull the husks back to expose the kernels but do not remove. Using wire or strong string, tie an odd number of ears together near where the husks meet the ear. Tie raffia, ribbon, and dried flowers around the tie. Hang on a door, fence post or gate, or in a window.

• A harvest basket. Arrange gourds, small pumpkins and Indian corn in a basket. Fill around these items with colored leaves, acorns, or pine cones. Use on a table, a door, or on a mantel or coffee table.

• A wreath. Pull the dried husks from the corn and glue them to a straw wreath, facing out from the center of the wreath to create a sunburst effect. Glue on dried flowers, acorns, colored leaves, etc. Hang on a door or wall.

Indian corn is very easy to grow and does very well in our Northwest Ohio climate. Seed can be found in your choice of color or colors by checking the Internet and typing in “ornamental Indian corn seeds.” If you want to grow cobs with a variety of colors on them (these are called calico corn), you can plant several types of single color corn close together in the garden to allow for cross-pollination.

Indian corn needs full sun and can be planted in the spring about two weeks after the last frost when the soil is warm. Plant the seeds two to three inches apart about once inch deep. Water well as the corn plants grow and the cobs can be harvested in the fall when the corn silk has all turned brown.

Indian corn needs to be hung up in a warm dry place to dry after harvesting. Each of your cobs will be unique with no two the same.

Note: Indian corn that has added fragrance or color for craft use should not be eaten.
If you have garden questions or tips for other gardeners, send them in to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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