Corn

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - An early maturing, widely adapted sweet corn with good flavor and dependability. Stalks average 5 ft. with 1-2 ears (6-7 in. long) containing 12 rows of yellow kernels per ear.    Certified Organic  Heirloom  Especially well-suited to the South-East  50 Seeds average Open-pollinated  Instructions - Sweet corn seed requires a soil temperature of 65 degrees F to germinate well, otherwise seed may rot easily due to its high sugar content. Don’t rush your first planting; wait until after the first average frost-free date. An old saying is to plant corn when oak leaves are the size of squirrel ears. For good pollination and well-filled ears, plant in blocks at least 5 rows wide. After silk has dried and turned brown, puncture the skin of a kernel with your thumbnail. If a sweet, milky juice is released (milk stage) the corn is ready for harvest. Prepare corn for eating quickly after harvest. At room temperature, harvested ears lose 50% of their sugar in 24 hours. Sow seeds 1 in. deep  Rows: 36 in. apart  Thin: 6-12 in. apart within rows    Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Seed Exchange - Once promoted as “the best white sweet corn in the world,” this hardy mid-season variety bears one to two ears on stalks that reach 7-8"" long. Plants grow 6-8' tall and produce ears with large kernels that, when cooked, have a creamy consistency and range in sweetness by ear. Named for Mary Atkinson of London, Ohio, this variety is believed to have been stewarded by the Atkinson family since before 1850; it was donated to Seed Savers Exchange in the early 1980s by W.W. Williams Organic & Open-Pollinated Plants grow 6 - 8 feet tall and bears ears reaching 7 - 8 inches long Ideal for freezing and fresh eating Sweet corn 70-85 days New for 2021 100 Seeds per pack Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors 1" deep after danger of frost has passed. For good pollination and full ears, plant in blocks of 3-6 rows instead of one long row. Thin seedlings to 8" apart. Corn is a heavy feeder and does best in well-drained fertile soil with plenty of water. Start Indoors: 8-10 weeks before planting out Germination: 10-15 Days Plant Outdoors: 12-24” Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)

It has been missed and is back for 2026!  Great for kid gardens. Seed Savers Exchange  - Developed by Glenn Thompson of Vermont, who grew and distributed this popcorn in New England from the 1930s until the mid-1960s. Served in movie theaters and featured at the World’s Fair. Plants 4-5' tall. Pearly off-white kernels. The 4-5" ears are often flattened and split at the silk end, giving them the appearance of a bear’s paw. 70-80 days. ±250 seeds/oz. Organic & Open-Pollinated Grows 4-5 feet tall Ears grow to 4-5 inches Ears have the appearance of a bear's paw Popcorn 70-80 days 75 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors 1" deep after danger of frost has passed. For good pollination and full ears, plant in blocks of 3-6 rows instead of one long row. Thin seedlings to 8" apart. Corn is a heavy feeder and does best in well-drained fertile soil with plenty of water. Direct Seed: 4" Apart Germination: 4-21 Days Rows Apart: 36-48" Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)

It's back for 2026! Order yours today. This is a corn that is a dwarf and is perfect for containers or areas of high wind. Seed Savers Exchange - One of the only sweet corns that can be grown in containers, the 3-foot-tall plants of this variety bear 3-6 ears. The peak time for eating is when kernels are just turning blue, but can be eaten when white or steel blue. This variety is from Dutch seedsman and Seed Savers Exchange member Kees Sahin. 70-80 days. ±185 seeds/oz Organic & Open Pollinated Sweet corn Plants grow up to 3 feet 3-6 ears per stalk White kernels mature to steel blue color Can be grown in containers 70-80 days 75 Seeds per packet Instructions -Sow seeds outdoors 1" deep after danger of frost has passed. For good pollination and full ears, plant in blocks of 3-6 rows instead of one long row. Thin seedlings to 8" apart. Corn is a heavy feeder and does best in well-drained fertile soil with plenty of water. Direct Seed: 4" Apart Germination: 4-21 Days Rows Apart: 36-48" Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Seedstock from Merlyn Niedens, combining several strains of long-ear Cherokee popcorn sent by Carl Barnes of Turpin, OK. Carl has helped save many of the Cherokee corn that came west over the Trail of Tears. Small kernelled variety makes surprisingly large pops, yielding for a low hull/ corn ratio. Great flavor. Highly ornamental, 5-7 in. ears have many shiny colors including red, blue, orange, white, and yellow. 6-8 ft. plants. Certified Organic  Heirloom  Especially well-suited to the South-East  120 seeds on average, 14g Instructions - Requires a soil temperature of 65 degrees F to germinate well. Succession plantings can then be made 2-3 weeks apart. Harvest and dry popcorn down as you would grinding corn. Thorough drying is important in getting kernels that will pop. Popcorns are resistant to ear damage by birds.  Sow seed 1" in deep  Rows: 36 in" apart  Thin: 6-12 in. apart    Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Seed Exchange - A home garden variety grown for fresh eating or canning, this standard, late-season white corn has narrow “shoepeg” (non-rowed) kernels. Tapered 7-8" ears grow on 7-8' stalks that often produce two ears. This historic variety was introduced in 1890 by S. D. Woodruff & Sons of Orange, Connecticut. 88-92 days.   Organic Sweet corn Plants grow 7-8 feet tall 7-8 inch ears, often 2 per stalk "Shoe-peg" kernels (non-rowed) 88-92 days 75 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors 1" deep after danger of frost has passed. For good pollination and full ears, plant in blocks of 3-6 rows instead of one long row. Thin seedlings to 8" apart. Corn is a heavy feeder and does best in well-drained fertile soil with plenty of water. Plant 4" apart Plant 1/2" Deep Plant Rows 36-48" apart  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Beautiful 4½ in. ears, great flavor. 15 rows per ear. 6 ft. stalks, 1 ear per stalk, above-average pest resistance.  Certified Organic  Heirloom  Especially well-suited to the South-East  ~100 Seeds, 14 grams Open Source Seed Initiative (OSSI) Variety  Instructions - Requires a soil temperature of 65 degrees F to germinate well. Succession plantings can then be made 2-3 weeks apart. Harvest and dry popcorn down as you would grinding corn. Thorough drying is important in getting kernels that will pop. Popcorns are resistant to ear damage by birds.  Sow seed 1" in deep  Rows: 36 in" apart  Thin: 6-12 in. apart    Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

eed Exchange - Lustrous kernels ranging from dark-red to deep-purple stand out on the plate and in the field. Sweet and flavorful, this variety is delicious eaten fresh from the cob but also works quite well dried and ground into cornmeal. Equally gorgeous dark-red stalks grow 5-7′ tall and produce 1-2 ears per stalk. This versatile variety was bred by Alan Kapuler, Ph.D., Seed Savers Exchange lifetime member and founder of Peace Seeds in Corvallis, Oregon. 85 days. Open-Pollinated Sweet Corn Dark-red to deep-purple 1-2 ears per stalk Plants 5-7' tall 85 days 75 Seeds per pack Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors 1" deep after danger of frost has passed. For good pollination and full ears, plant in blocks of 3-6 rows instead of one long row. Thin seedlings to 8" apart. Corn is a heavy feeder and does best in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of water. Direct Seed: 4" Apart Germination: 4-21 Days Rows Apart: 36-48" Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)

We found this popular one again! It arrives in early January 2024! Southern Exposure Seed Exchange -  Family heirloom from the Valsugana valley of Italy near Trento, via William Rubel. Originally brought to Italy from America, it evolved over hundreds of years to become the staple polenta corn of the valley. Introduced by SESE and Fedco Seeds 2009. Beautiful medium- to deep-red kernels are slightly pointed. Cornmeal has a pink cast, and makes a polenta with a remarkably rich, complex flavor. Plants grow 7-10 ft. tall - slightly smaller and faster maturing than other varieties we offer. Some tendency to lodge. Certified Organic  Heirloom  Especially well-suited to the South-East  28g, ~100 seeds  Instructions - Plant these grains (field) when the soil is at least 55 degrees, or when dogwood leaves are the size of squirrel’s ears.  Flint corns tend to do well in wet and cold climates, they are especially common in the Northeast. They have pointed kernels in which the hard part of the kernel predominates, and they are especially good for cooking methods that involve boiling, such as polenta and johnnycakes.  Harvest for roasting when ears have just reached full size, or for dry corn when husks have fully yellowed. Space plants at 12"-24" depending on variety height in 36" rows.    Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Carl Barnes, a Seedsavers Exchange member, worked to develop this strain of glass colored kernals.  They are used in crafts, decor, cornmeal and popcorn.  The work on improving the corn continues with Greg Schoen.  1-2 ears per stalk, ears are 6-8 long and plants grow to 8' tall.  Late maturing 110 days. We source this from a variety of places depending on availability.  Organic & Open Pollinated Flint/Popcorn 1-2 ears per stalk, each 6-8" long Plants 8-10' tall 110 days ~50 Seeds per pack Instructions -Sow seeds outdoors 1" deep after danger of frost has passed. For good pollination and full ears, plant in blocks of 3-6 rows instead of one long row. Thin seedlings to 8" apart. Corn is a heavy feeder and does best in well-drained fertile soil with plenty of water. Direct Seed: 4" Apart Germination: 4-21 Days Rows Apart: 36-48" Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)

Seed Exchange - Producing an early crop for home gardeners and market growers, this historic variety has an excellent sweet flavor and is ideal for freezing and fresh eating. The original strain of Golden Bantam was introduced by W. Atlee Burpee in 1902, and this improved strain was selected for even longer ears and greater tenderness. 70-85 days. Organic Tender, sweet kernels Ideal for freezing and fresh eating Sweet corn 70-85 days 100 Seeds  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors 1” deep after danger of frost has passed. For good pollination and full ears, plant in blocks of 3-6 rows instead of one long row. Thin seedlings to 8” apart. Corn is a heavy feeder and does best in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of water. Plant 4" apart Plant 1" Deep Germinates in 4-21 days Plant Rows 36-48" apart  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - This mid-season-maturing corn topped the list when Seed Savers Exchange staff ranked a dozen corn varieties for flavor in 2018! The ears of this white sweet corn turn a striking dark blue at maturity but are most flavorful (and have tender kernels) when just slightly blue in color. SSE received this variety from Marvin Gonitzke, who in turn received it from Eugene Hjerleid, a coworker at Johnson Printing in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. This corn was grown since at least the early 1940s in Blair, Wisconsin, by Eugene’s grandfather, Ludwig Hjerleid. 100 days.  Characteristics:  Organic  Historic Variety  Plants grow 4-6 feet tall and ears reaching 4-6 inches long  Ideal for freezing and fresh eating  Sweet corn  100 days  New for 2023  From the collection  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors 1” deep after the danger of frost has passed. For good pollination and full ears, plant in blocks of 3-6 rows instead of one long row. Thin seedlings to 8” apart. Corn is a heavy feeder and does best in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of water.  Direct Seed: 4" Apart  Germination: 4-21 Days  Row Aparts: 36-48"  Light: Full Sun   Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Jimmy Red Corn – The Bootlegger's Heirloom Legend🌽 Resurrected from Prohibition's shadows, this blood-red flint corn from SC's Sea Islands delivers unmatched flavor for grits, cornbread, and craft whiskeys. Rare & Historic: Saved by moonshiner "Jimmy Red" ~1900; revived from 200 seeds in 2003. Epic Taste: Sweet, nutty kernels with ruby hue—perfect for artisan milling. Grow It: 100 days to 10-ft stalks; isolate for purity. Indeterminate, high yields (10-15 ears/plant). Story Sells: "From bootleg bourbon to your backyard—taste history!" "Jimmy Red is the holy grail of Southern heirlooms—sweet as candy corn, with a story sweeter still." – Glenn Roberts, Anson Mills. Growing Notes Maturity: 100-110 days; 8-10 ft stalks. Habitat: Warm climates (USDA 7-11); needs isolation from other corn to prevent cross-pollination. Uses: Grits, meal, roasting, distillation. High antioxidants from red pigments. Jimmy Red corn is an heirloom variety with vibrant red kernels, ideal for decorative displays and whiskey production. It grows well in warm climates, reaching 8-10 feet tall, with a 90-100 day maturity period, perfect for southern gardens. Offer it as a unique, historically rich seed for customers interested in rare, heritage crops. Jimmy Red corn (Zea mays) is a rare, blood-red flint corn heirloom variety celebrated for its intense flavor, nutritional density, and cultural significance. Native to the South Carolina Lowcountry (Sea Islands region), it's prized for making superior grits, cornbread, and heirloom whiskeys due to its high sugar and oil content. Origins and Near-Extinction Discovery (Early 1900s): Named after "Jimmy Red," a local farmer/bootlegger who preserved it amid Prohibition-era demand. Its deep red kernels yielded high-proof moonshine, making it a bootlegger's secret. Prohibition Era (1920s-1930s): Thrived in SC coastal farms for illicit distillation—up to 10% higher alcohol conversion than modern hybrids. Decline (Mid-20th Century): Commercial hybrids displaced it post-WWII. By the 1990s, only ~200 seeds remained on a single farm. Revival and Modern Legacy 2000s Rescue: Rediscovered by seed saver Doug Berry on Wade's Island, SC. Shared with Glenn Rogers (Rogers Farms, Walhalla, SC), who multiplied it. Commercial Breakthrough (2010): Glenn Roberts of Anson Mills championed it for artisan grains, sourcing from Rogers. Now grown by select farms; used in high-end products like Hilton Head Distillery's Jimmy Red Bourbon. Seed Saving Networks: Preserved via Seed Savers Exchange (SSE), Native Seeds/SEARCH, and USDA GRIN. As of 2026, it's federally recognized as a crop at risk but stable through dedicated growers. Timeline Table Era Key Event Key Figure(s) ~1900 Variety stabilized in SC Sea Islands Jimmy Red (farmer) 1920s Peak for moonshine production Local bootleggers 1970s-90s Near extinction (1 farm left) N/A 2003 Seeds shared with Glenn Rogers Doug Berry 2010 Anson Mills revival; SSE listing Glenn Roberts 2020s Bourbon/grits boom; 100+ acres U.S. Rogers Farms, Anson Mills Growing Notes Maturity: 100-110 days; 8-10 ft stalks. Habitat: Warm climates (USDA 7-11); needs isolation from other corn to prevent cross-pollination. Uses: Grits, meal, roasting, distillation. High antioxidants from red pigments.  

Seed Exchange - Attributed to the Mandan tribe of North Dakota; this Native American flour corn was planted by Mandan women along with beans, sunflowers, and squash. This corn with its colorful autumnal kernels, some of which are striped, can be used in fall displays or ground into cornmeal. Plants will produce several 6-8” ears on 6’ plants. 85-90 days. Organic & Open-Pollinated 6-8 inch long ears Multicolor kernels Plants grow to 6 feet Flint corn 85-90 days 75 Seeds per pack Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors 1" deep after danger of frost has passed. For good pollination and full ears, plant in blocks of 3-6 rows instead of one long row. Thin seedlings to 8" apart. Corn is a heavy feeder and does best in well-drained fertile soil with plenty of water. Direct Seed: 4" Apart Germination: 4-21 Days Rows Apart: 36-48" Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange -102 days. Pre-1885 heirloom popcorn maintained by the Pennsylvania Dutch. Introduced 1988 by SESE. Flavor is superior to commercial popcorn. Produces white-kerneled ears, averaging 2 per 8 ft. stalk. 4-6 in. ears with 26-28 rows of kernels, 1½-1¾ in. at the butt, tapering to 1 in. at the tip. Small (14g) packet has about 125 seeds. Organic  and Open-pollinated Heirloom  125 seeds on average, 14g Instructions - Requires a soil temperature of 65 degrees F to germinate well. Succession plantings can then be made 2-3 weeks apart. Harvest and dry popcorn down as you would grinding corn. Thorough drying is important in getting kernels that will pop. Popcorns are resistant to ear damage by birds.  Sow seed 1" in deep  Rows: 36 in" apart  Thin: 6-12 in. apart  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - We are excited about this one. It is always fun sourcing new corns to try.  Corn gets a bad wrap for health but corns like this are filled with minerals and nutrients and part of a well rounded diet, heirloom corns deliver nutrition.  Pungo Creek Butcher Corn - Eastern Shore heirloom from Bill Savage, grown for 165 years by Pungo Creek, VA farmers. Genetic analysis shows it to be descended from Bloody Butcher.  A tall, hardy corn with sturdy stalks up to 11 ft. Ears are a mixed rainbow of red, brown, yellow, and sometimes purple. 9-12 in. ears in tightly wrapped husks. Rough milled this is a nutritious feed for your flock, or the corn can be ground into a meal with rich flavor and unusual color. Pretty enough to grow just for looks, this corn is delicious baked into muffins or cornbread. Certified Organic  Heirloom  Especially well-suited to the South-East  100 seeds on average, 28g Instructions - Requires a soil temperature of 65 degrees F to germinate well. Succession plantings can then be made 2-3 weeks apart.  Harvest and dry popcorn down as you would grinding corn. Thorough drying is important in getting kernels that will pop. Popcorns are resistant to ear damage by birds.  Sow seed 1" in deep  Rows: 36 in" apart  Thin: 6-12 in. apart  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Firefly Farm & Mercantile proudly offers Reid's Yellow Dent Corn seeds – a living piece of American agricultural history! Perfect for homesteaders, seed savers, and heritage gardeners seeking high-yield, versatile field corn. Overview 🌽Reid's Yellow Dent Corn (Zea mays indentata) is a legendary open-pollinated variety renowned for its golden-yellow kernels, exceptional yield, and adaptability. This tall, sturdy corn produces 10–12 inch ears with deep, dented kernels ideal for grinding into cornmeal, masa, or polenta; animal feed; or biofuel. Unlike modern hybrids, it's non-GMO and seed-savable – replant year after year! Trait Details Type Yellow dent (field corn) – not for fresh eating Maturity 110–120 days to dry grain Plant Height 8–12 ft stalks Ears 1–2 per plant; 10–12" long, 18–22 rows Kernels Golden yellow, starchy, high test weight (56–60 lb/bushel) Yield Very high; 150–200 bushels/acre potential Hardiness Zones 3–9; disease-resistant (rust, smut) "The backbone of the Corn Belt – Reid's Yellow traces through 80% of today's hybrids!" Origin and History Developed by Scottish immigrant James L. Reid on his farm near Springfield, Illinois: 1846: Reid crossed Northern white dent (Gordon Hopkins) with Southern yellow corn (likely from Kentucky). 1846–1866: 20 years of selective breeding for yield, uniformity, and yellow color. 1866: Commercial release – exploded in popularity, dominating Illinois fields by 1900.Reid never patented it, sharing freely to benefit farmers. Today, preserved by seed savers like Seed Savers Exchange. How to Plant Sow directly outdoors for best results – corn thrives on wind pollination! Timing: After last frost when soil reaches 60°F (mid-May in most zones). Soil Prep: Full sun, fertile loam (pH 6.0–6.8). Amend with compost/manure; 1 lb nitrogen/100 sq ft. Planting Method: In blocks (not single rows) for pollination: 4x4 minimum (25 plants). Space seeds 8–12 inches apart, rows 30–36 inches apart (1–2 oz/100 ft row). Depth: 1–2 inches; firm soil over seeds. Water/Fertilizer: Keep moist until sprouting (7–10 days). Side-dress with nitrogen at knee-high. Thin to strongest plants. Spacing Tip: Plant 500+ ft from other corn varieties to avoid cross-pollination. Expect tasseling in 50–60 days; silks follow. How to Harvest Harvest at full dent stage for maximum quality – dry weather preferred! Timing: 110–120 days post-planting, when husks dry/brown and kernels are hard/dented (milk line gone). Test by puncturing: no milky juice. Method: Pull ears downward with a snap, leaving husks on. Hang in a dry, airy spot (80–100°F) for 2–4 weeks until kernels <15% moisture (brittle shell). Shell by hand/rubbing or use a corn sheller. Yield: 8–10 ears per 10 ft row. Storage: In airtight bins; lasts 2+ years. For seed saving, select best 10–20 ears and isolate. Uses Post-Harvest: Grind for meal (nixtamalize for tortillas), feed livestock, or pop (select flatter kernels). Pro Tip: In humid areas, harvest early and finish drying indoors to prevent mold. Grow the legacy at Firefly Farm & Mercantile – order your Reid's Yellow Dent Corn seeds today and bring Corn Belt history to your patch! 🌽 Questions? Email fireflyfarm@shop.com. Limited stock – heirloom seeds sell fast!