Corn Seeds,
Tutelo Strawberry
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Description
(Zea mays). Flint corn. A beautiful and rare landrace variety from the Tutelo peoples, an Eastern Siouan tribe who lived in the Piedmont of Virginia and North Carolina, and later parts of western Maryland. The last of the Tutelo died in the 19th century, leaving other indigenous peoples to steward this culturally significant corn, which was planted during the Strawberry Moon Ceremony. The short, 4- to 6-foot plants bear two cobs each. When ground and cooked as meal or grits, the corn retains its pink hue and offers a hint of sweetness. This variety might have gone extinct but for the efforts of William Woys Weaver of the Roughwood Seed Collection. William acquired a small amount of Tutelo Strawberry corn from Theodore Brinton Hetzel, a Quaker activist who worked closely with the Cornplanter Senecas in Warren County, PA, to stop a dam project that would eventually displace them from tribal land. After their forced relocation, Hetzel inherited a large collection of seeds for safekeeping.
Growing Tips: Tutelo Strawberry corn thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture. Incorporate organic matter to enrich the soil and maintain a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Monitor for pests like corn borers and aphids, and employ organic pest control methods as needed.
Plant Details
- Botanical Name
- Zea mays
- Life Cycle
- Annual
- Sun Requirement
- 6–8 hr.
- Days to Germinate
- 7–10
- Days to Maturity
- 110–120
- Planting Depth
- 1–1 ½ in.
- Plant Spacing
- 8–12 in.
- Ideal Temperature
- 65–85°F
- Frost Hardy
- No
When to Grow
How to Sow and Plant
How to Grow
How to Save Seeds
FAQ
Is Tutelo Strawberry corn edible?
Yes, Tutelo Strawberry corn is edible. As a flint corn, it has hard kernels suitable for grinding into cornmeal or making hominy. It's not typically eaten fresh like sweet corn.
Can I grow Tutelo Strawberry corn in containers?
Growing Tutelo Strawberry corn in containers is challenging due to its height and pollination needs. If attempting, use large, deep containers and plant in blocks to facilitate pollination.
Why are my Tutelo Strawberry corn kernels not developing properly?
Poor kernel development often results from inadequate pollination. Ensure plants are grown in blocks rather than single rows to enhance wind pollination. Hand-pollination can also improve kernel set.
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