Four Cherokee White Eagle corn stalks arranged on a white background.
A macro close-up view of Cherokee White Eagle Corn on the cob.
Cherokee White Eagle Corn Cobs arranged with kernels on a white background.
A close-up view of several Cherokee White Eagle Corn cobs.
Four Cherokee White Eagle corn stalks arranged on a white background.
A macro close-up view of Cherokee White Eagle Corn on the cob.
Cherokee White Eagle Corn Cobs arranged with kernels on a white background.
A close-up view of several Cherokee White Eagle Corn cobs.

Corn Seeds,
Cherokee White Eagle

415 ReviewsSKU: #CN144Min. seed count: 50
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Description

(Zea mays). Beautiful white and blue kernels on 8”-10” ears make a superb corn meal or can be used as roasting ears if picked young. This great Cherokee variety gives good yields on sturdy stalks. Some kernels have eagle-like markings on them, hence the name. Very rare and hard to find.

Growing Tips: Cherokee White Eagle corn is a revered heirloom variety, cherished by the Cherokee Nation for its symbolic beauty and cultural heritage. This tall, stately plant produces white and pearl-blue kernels, often with a distinctive eagle-wing pattern. Grow it in rich, well-drained soil with full sunlight. Provide consistent moisture during tasseling and silking for optimal ear formation, and plant in blocks to promote natural wind pollination.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Zea mays
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
7–10
Days to Maturity
115–125
Planting Depth
1–2 in.
Plant Spacing
12 in.
Ideal Temperature
75–80°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Sow Cherokee White Eagle corn after the final spring frost, once soil temperatures remain consistently above 60°F. This warm-season crop thrives in long, sunny growing periods and requires about 115–125 frost-free days to mature. In cooler regions, you can use black plastic mulch to pre-warm the soil and speed germination. 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

Direct-sow seeds 1–2 inches deep in well-amended, fertile soil. Space plants 8–12 inches apart in rows spaced 30–36 inches apart. For best pollination, plant in blocks of at least four short rows rather than one long row. Keep soil evenly moist until seedlings emerge, and thin to proper spacing once established to allow airflow and strong stalk development.

How to Grow

Water deeply and regularly, especially during silking and kernel development, as moisture stress can reduce yield and ear quality. Apply a side-dressing of compost or organic fertilizer when plants are knee-high and again at tassel formation. Keep beds weed-free and mulch to retain moisture. Harvest mature ears when husks are dry and kernels are firm for ornamental, culinary, or seed-saving purposes.

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

What is special about Cherokee White Eagle corn?

Cherokee White Eagle is a sacred and historic variety known for its striking white and blue kernels occasionally with the image of an eagle, a revered Cherokee symbol of strength and peace.

Can Cherokee White Eagle corn be eaten or just used ornamentally?

It’s primarily a flour and ceremonial corn, but it can also be roasted when young. Mature kernels grind into a smooth, rich meal ideal for cornbread or mush.

Does Cherokee White Eagle corn require special care?

No, it's vigorous and adaptable, but it is a frost-tender warm-season crop that should not go out until the soil has warmed. It thrives best with full sun, fertile soil, and consistent watering during the reproductive phase to ensure full, even ear development.

Browse our full range of corn seeds.

Customer reviews

4 / 5 15 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Tall, sturdy stalks: Stalks reach 10 to 13 feet and stand up to high wind.

  • Multiple ears per stalk: Most stalks carry two to three ears, some up to five.

  • Comes up fast: Strong germination, even in cool, wet soil.

  • Grits and cornmeal: Dried and ground, it makes prized blue cornbread, grits and masa.

  • Colorful kernels: Ears range from white to purple and blue, varying by stalk.

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