Overview

Discover the rich heritage and vibrant beauty of the red corn seeds of the ‘Bloody Butcher’ variety. This classic heirloom corn is a gardener’s delight, producing stunning ears with kernels that range from deep red to mottled black. Each packet provides 200 fresh seeds, allowing you to cultivate a bountiful harvest that is both ornamental and highly functional. Known for its exceptional quality, ‘Bloody Butcher’ corn is ideal for grinding into nutrient-rich cornmeal perfect for traditional tortillas, polenta, and baking. This open-pollinated variety ensures that you can save seeds from your harvest to plant year after year, preserving its unique genetic legacy and flavor profile.

Originating in the United States in the mid-1800s, ‘Bloody Butcher’ corn has a fascinating history, cherished by generations for its striking appearance and culinary versatility. Its tall stalks and colorful ears make it a fantastic addition to any garden, adding a touch of rustic charm and historical significance. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, these heirloom corn seeds offer a rewarding growing experience, culminating in a harvest that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Key Benefits

Growing ‘Bloody Butcher’ corn from red corn seeds offers a multitude of benefits, from its stunning visual appeal to its culinary versatility. This variety is a true standout in the garden and kitchen.

• Exceptional Culinary Quality: These organic corn seeds yield corn perfect for grinding into high-quality flour, ideal for making delicious, authentic tortillas, cornbread, and other baked goods with a unique flavor and color.
• Striking Ornamental Appeal: The deep red and black kernels of ‘Bloody Butcher’ corn make it a beautiful addition to your garden, perfect for fall decorations, educational displays, or simply admiring its natural beauty.
• Heirloom & Open-Pollinated: As an heirloom corn seeds variety, ‘Bloody Butcher’ is open-pollinated, meaning you can save seeds from your harvest to replant next season, ensuring a sustainable and continuous supply.
• Easy to Grow: Suitable for gardeners of all experience levels, this corn variety is known for its robust growth and relatively low maintenance, thriving in full sun and well-draining soil.
• Versatile Use: Beyond flour and tortillas, the corn can also be used for popping, livestock feed, or simply enjoyed as a unique and flavorful roasted corn.
• Self-Pollinating & Fast Growing: This variety is self-pollinating, making successful harvests more likely. It also boasts a fast growth rate, allowing you to enjoy your harvest sooner.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Cultivating ‘Bloody Butcher’ red corn seeds is a straightforward process that yields rewarding results. For optimal growth, ensure your planting site receives full sun, ideally 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Corn thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a neutral pH. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or sand to improve drainage, and add organic matter to sandy soils to enhance water retention and nutrient availability. Planting time is crucial; wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area, typically after the last spring frost, when soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently.

Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 6-8 inches apart in rows, with rows spaced 30-36 inches apart. For better pollination and fuller ears, plant corn in blocks of at least four rows rather than a single long row. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells and when the corn tassels and ears begin to form. Aim for consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer when plants are about 8-12 inches tall, and again when tassels appear. While generally robust, keep an eye out for common pests like corn earworms and control them organically if necessary. The ‘Bloody Butcher’ variety is also known for being draught resistant and cold resistant to a degree, making it a resilient choice for various climates.

Size & Details

Each packet contains 200 organic heirloom seeds of the ‘Bloody Butcher’ variety, offering ample opportunity for a successful harvest. This annual corn variety typically grows to a height of 8-10 feet, producing 1-2 ears per stalk. The mature ears showcase a striking array of deep red, maroon, and sometimes nearly black kernels, making them visually captivating. These heirloom corn seeds are shipped as fresh, viable seeds, ready for planting. Expect a maturity period of approximately 90-110 days from planting to harvest, depending on your local climate and growing conditions. The corn is best harvested when the husks are dry and the kernels are hard, indicating they are ready for grinding into flour or for ornamental use. This corn is a medium-watering plant, requiring consistent moisture to reach its full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How many red corn seeds are included in this packet? A: Each packet contains 200 organic heirloom seeds of the ‘Bloody Butcher’ variety, providing a generous quantity for planting a substantial crop.
• Q: Is this ‘Bloody Butcher’ corn suitable for making tortillas? A: Yes, ‘Bloody Butcher’ corn is highly prized for its quality flour, making it an excellent choice for crafting delicious and authentic homemade tortillas with a distinctive color. These tortilla corn seeds are specifically noted for this use.
• Q: What are the sunlight requirements for these organic corn seeds? A: ‘Bloody Butcher’ corn thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and ear development.
• Q: When is the best time to plant these heirloom corn seeds? A: The best time to plant is after the last danger of frost has passed in your region, typically in late spring, when the soil has warmed sufficiently.
• Q: How tall does the ‘Bloody Butcher’ corn plant grow? A: This variety typically grows quite tall, reaching heights of 8 to 10 feet, making it a dramatic and impressive addition to any garden.
• Q: Is ‘Bloody Butcher’ corn difficult to grow for beginners? A: No, it is considered to have easy cultivating difficulty, making these red corn seeds a great option for both experienced and novice gardeners. It is a self-pollinating and fast-growing annual.
• Q: What type of soil does this corn prefer? A: ‘Bloody Butcher’ corn prefers well-draining soil with a neutral pH. Loam, peat, sand, chalk, and clay soils can all be suitable with proper amendments.