Corn Seeds, Montana Sunburst
Close-up macro view of Montana Sunburst Corn kernels on the cob.
Montana Sunburst Corn cobs with a ruler to show the length on a white background.
Montana Sunburst Corn cobs on a white background.
Corn Seeds, Montana Sunburst
Close-up macro view of Montana Sunburst Corn kernels on the cob.
Montana Sunburst Corn cobs with a ruler to show the length on a white background.
Montana Sunburst Corn cobs on a white background.

Corn Seeds,
Montana Sunburst

4.52 ReviewsSKU: #CN106Min. seed count: 30
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Description

(Zea mays) Each spectacularly colorful, 8-inch ear is unique; all are a blast of warm autumnal tones! Discovered as a chance variation of Papa’s White by grower/breeder Ed Schultz. Ed crossed and selected, achieving this amazing parching or flour variety. Takes cool soil and cold nights, like all of Ed’s Schultz’s Montana-grown creations.

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
70–80
Planting Depth
1–2 in.
Plant Spacing
12 in.
Ideal Temperature
60°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Plant Montana Sunburst corn into the richest soil available when soil temperatures reach about 60 degrees F, after all danger of frost is past, usually in late May or early June. In some areas the growing season might be shorter and there might be potential for early frosts, so always check the last frost date in your area and plan accordingly​. 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

Sow the seeds directly into the soil, planting them 1-2 inches deep and spacing them about 12 inches apart, with rows 30-36 inches apart. Planting in blocks rather than rows enhances pollination, leading to better ear formation. For succession planting and continuous harvest, sow additional seeds every two weeks.

How to Grow

Corn needs consistent moisture, especially during pollination and ear development. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week. Fertilize according to soil test recommendations or use balanced organic fertilizers like compost. Keep the area weed-free and consider mulching to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Monitor for pests and diseases, using organic controls or beneficial insects to manage infestations​​.

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 do I ensure good Montana Sunburst corn pollination?

Plant corn in blocks to improve pollination. Hand-pollination can be helpful—collect pollen from tassels and sprinkle it on the silks when they emerge.

When is the best time to harvest Montana Sunburst corn?

Montana Sunburst is a parching and flour corn, not sweet corn, so it is never picked at the milky stage. Leave the ears on the stalk until the husks are papery and dry and the kernels are hard enough that a thumbnail leaves no dent, then cure the ears in a dry, airy place before shelling.

What are some common pests for Montana Sunburst corn and how do I manage them?

Common pests include corn earworms, cutworms, and aphids. Hand-pick pests and apply organic insecticides if necessary. Floating row covers can protect young plants, but remove them once the corn begins to tassel, since the wind-borne pollen has to reach the silks. For cutworms, treat the soil with parasitic nematodes before planting.

Browse our full range of corn seeds.

Customer reviews

4.5 / 5 2 Reviews
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