Montana Red Eagle Corn cobs piled up and looking fabulous.
Close-up macro view of Montana Red Eagle Corn showing the little eagle shaped spots on the kernels.
Full overhead view of Montana Red Eagle Corn cobs on a light stucco background.
Close-up of Montana Red Eagle Corn kernels.
Montana Red Eagle Corn cobs piled up and looking fabulous.
Close-up macro view of Montana Red Eagle Corn showing the little eagle shaped spots on the kernels.
Full overhead view of Montana Red Eagle Corn cobs on a light stucco background.
Close-up of Montana Red Eagle Corn kernels.

Corn Seeds,
Montana Red Eagle

31 ReviewSKU: #CN109Min. seed count: 50
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Description

(Zea mays)  A delicious soft flour corn that is equally tasty and beautiful. Each kernel has a lilac-colored “eagle” marking. Plants average 2 ears when given adequate spacing. Ears are long and slender, averaging 8 to 9 inches long with about 8 rows. This rugged corn is descended from a historic Native American variety. Ed Schultz, renowned corn breeder from Montana, has a passion for selecting and stabilizing ancient corn varieties to restore them to how they were most likely originally grown. A small sample of seeds was donated to the USDA seed bank in 1959, including a long, slender flour corn with shell-pink, eagle-shaped markings. Ed is a far northern grower who has worked to create beautiful and early-maturing corns like Atomic Orange and the Papa’s corn.

Growing Tips: Montana Red Eagle corn grows best in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Planting in blocks can enhance pollination and yield, while succession planting prolongs harvest.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Zea mays
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–10
Days to Maturity
90
Planting Depth
1–2 in.
Plant Spacing
12 in.
Ideal Temperature
60°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Plant Montana Red Eagle corn when soil temperatures reach about 60 degrees F, after all danger of frost is past. The ideal temperature for growing is 75-80 F. This usually means late May or early June, depending on your USDA hardiness zone. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Before planting, soak the seeds in water for a few hours to encourage faster germination. Sow seeds 1-2 inches deep in rows spaced 30-36 inches apart. Thin seedlings to about 12 inches apart once they are a few inches tall. Adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil can improve its fertility and drainage.

How to Grow

Apply a balanced fertilizer when the plants are about 6 inches tall and again when they begin to tassel. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Regularly check for pests like corn earworms and aphids, and use organic pest control methods as needed. Proper spacing and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent fungal diseases.

How to Save Seeds

  • Corn is wind pollinated and will easily cross with other varieties (including GMO corn!). You will need at least 1 mile of isolation to avoid cross pollination. You can also use staggered timing or caging techniques.
  • Hand pick ears when fully dried on stalk. Seeds keep best if left on the ear; just remove at planting time.
  • Sweet corn seeds will remain viable for 2 years; dent corn will last up to 5 years when properly stored.

FAQ

How long does Montana Red Eagle corn take to mature?

This variety typically matures in about 90 days.

Can Montana Red Eagle corn be grown in containers?

Due to its size and space requirements, it is generally not recommended to grow this corn in containers. Corn needs ample space to develop properly.

What are the common pests and diseases for Montana Red Eagle corn, and how can they be managed?

Common pests include corn earworms, cutworms, and aphids. Managing these pests involves regular monitoring and the use of organic insecticides or natural pest control methods. Diseases like rust and gray leaf spot can be minimized by ensuring proper plant spacing for good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Removing affected leaves promptly can help prevent disease spread.

Browse our full range of corn seeds.

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