Bloody Butcher Dent Corn on a white background.
Bloody Butcher Dent Corn with dried husk.
Close-up Bloody Butcher Dent Corn
Bloody Butcher Dent Corn on a white background.
Bloody Butcher Dent Corn with dried husk.
Close-up Bloody Butcher Dent Corn

Corn Seeds,
Bloody Butcher Dent

4.515 ReviewsSKU: #CN102
Price
Regular price $5.00
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Min. 50 seeds

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Description

(Zea mays) Dent Corn. A very beautiful, commonly crimson red dent variety was introduced to the settlers in the Virginia area in the 1840s. These 8- to 12-foot tall stalks produce large, heavy, 8- to 12-inch long ears of solid red kernels that vary in hue. Occasional red and white kernels and ears may appear, but this is typical. It is known for its delicious, rich, sweet flavor when ground into meal and flour. We are excited to find this GMO-free strain, as most Bloody Butchers seem to be crossed with modern GMO corn types.

Growing Tips: Bloody Butcher dent corn requires full sun to thrive. Ensure the planting site receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.2. It benefits from the addition of compost or organic matter to enrich the soil. Maintain consistent moisture, particularly during the germination and silking stages.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Zea mays
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
7–10
Days to Maturity
100–120
Planting Depth
1–2 in.
Plant Spacing
12 in.
Ideal Temperature
Soil Temperature: at least 60°F for planting
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Plant Bloody Butcher corn when soil temperatures reach about 60 degrees F, after all danger of frost is past. The ideal temperature for growing corn is 75-80 F. This variety requires a long growing season, typically 100-120 days to maturity, so it’s best suited for temperate climates with warm, sunny conditions throughout the growing period​. 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

  • Corn cannot tolerate cold weather; plant corn directly in the ground after all chance of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 50 degrees.
  • Direct sow 1 to 2 inches deep in the richest soil available.
  • Plant corn 12 inches apart.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 75-80 F.
  • Do not transplant corn; the delicate roots cannot handle it.

How to Grow

  • Corn is a heavy feeder; plants need a rich soil with plenty of organic matter. Add well-rotted compost to the corn bed before planting.
  • Plant in blocks as opposed to rows for better pollination.
  • Because corn matures all at once, succession plant every other week for 6 weeks to ensure a steady supply. Each plant needs 1 square foot of space.
  • Fertilize with a balanced organic 10-10-10 at one cup per ten feet. Fertilize just before planting and again 6 weeks later.
  • Mulch plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Sweet corn is approaching maturity when silks have dried and turned brown. Dent corn is ready when the husks have dried and turned brown; the kernels should be hard.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • In areas of high wind, it may be necessary to stake corn stalks or provide a windbreak.
  • Corn earworm is a major pest of corn. To suffocate these pests, apply mineral oil to the silks once they have turned brown.
  • European corn borer can be controlled with Bt.
  • Raccoons are one of the biggest pests. To ward them off, try leaving a portable radio playing in the garden at night.
  • You can also interplant trailing beans to run along the bottom of the plants, as it is believed that raccoons don’t like to get tangled in the vines.

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 know when Bloody Butcher dent corn is ready?

Dent corn is ready when the husks have dried and turned brown and the kernels are hard. Bloody Butcher takes 100–120 days, with 8- to 12-foot stalks producing large, heavy ears 8 to 12 inches long.

Why do some Bloody Butcher kernels vary in color?

The solid red kernels vary in hue, and occasional red and white kernels and ears may appear — this is typical for the variety, which was introduced to settlers in the Virginia area in the 1840s.

What does Baker Creek do about GMO contamination in corn seed?

Baker Creek has all its corn seed tested for purity from GMO corn pollen contamination, and we were excited to find this GMO-free Bloody Butcher strain, as most Bloody Butchers seem to be crossed with modern GMO corn types. Corn is wind pollinated and will easily cross with other varieties, so saving pure seed calls for at least 1 mile of isolation, staggered timing or caging.

Customer reviews

4.5 / 5 15 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Standout cornmeal: Rich, sweet flavor grinds into the best cornbread and masa.

  • Towering stalks: Stalks run 9 to 12 feet; plant it at the back of the garden.

  • Shrugs off pests: Little earworm or raccoon damage where other corn suffered.

  • Sturdy and tough: Stands up to wind and dry spells without irrigation.

  • Heads up: Yield can be modest; some stalks give only one or two ears.

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