{"product_id":"painted-mountain-corn","title":"Painted Mountain Corn","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"476\" data-end=\"947\" class=\"\"\u003ePainted Mountain Corn is a resilient and visually stunning flint corn developed over 30 years by Montana farmer Dave Christensen. Created specifically to thrive in northern climates, this variety is known for strong early germination in cool soil, resistance to drought, and reliable early harvests. The cobs mature quickly and show a wide spectrum of vivid colours, making them a delight in the garden and a standout for ornamental use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"949\" data-end=\"1225\" class=\"\"\u003eKernels are sweet and tender enough to be enjoyed fresh when young, but Painted Mountain is best known as a superb flour and meal corn once dried. Its rich taste and exceptional nutritional content make it a favourite among home gardeners, homesteaders, and seed savers alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1227\" data-end=\"1481\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1227\" data-end=\"1272\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Painted Mountain Corn?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1272\" data-end=\"1275\"\u003ePainted Mountain Corn is well suited to Zones 3–9. It performs especially well in cool, short-season regions and poor soils, but will thrive with full sun and moderate watering even in more fertile gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1483\" data-end=\"1975\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1483\" data-end=\"1514\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1514\" data-end=\"1517\"\u003eThis remarkable corn was developed by crossing and refining over 70 traditional Indigenous and heirloom corn varieties, selected for their early maturity and hardiness. Dave Christensen began the project in the 1970s as a way to create a corn that could survive in the challenging climate of Montana while maintaining high nutrition and genetic diversity. Painted Mountain is now used worldwide by small-scale growers seeking resilient, open-pollinated seed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1977\" data-end=\"2343\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1977\" data-end=\"2006\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2006\" data-end=\"2009\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2009\" data-end=\"2023\"\u003eZones 8–9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in late spring after the last frost; harvest early for fresh use or allow to dry fully for grain.\u003cbr data-start=\"2132\" data-end=\"2135\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2135\" data-end=\"2149\"\u003eZones 5–7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow once soil has warmed; consider starting indoors in short seasons.\u003cbr data-start=\"2219\" data-end=\"2222\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2222\" data-end=\"2236\"\u003eZones 3–4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start indoors or choose the warmest, most protected garden spot; mulch to retain soil warmth and moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1977\" data-end=\"2343\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2345\" data-end=\"2761\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2345\" data-end=\"2394\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Painted Mountain Corn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2345\" data-end=\"2761\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2397\" data-end=\"2410\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 2–4cm (¾–1½in) deep, 20cm (8in) apart in blocks for best pollination.\u003cbr data-start=\"2490\" data-end=\"2493\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2493\" data-end=\"2506\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate water; drought tolerant once established.\u003cbr data-start=\"2557\" data-end=\"2560\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2560\" data-end=\"2575\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvest fresh for eating young, or leave cobs on the stalk to fully dry before harvest.\u003cbr data-start=\"2663\" data-end=\"2666\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2666\" data-end=\"2682\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensure close planting for good pollination; support stalks if exposed to wind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2763\" data-end=\"3105\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2763\" data-end=\"2801\"\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2763\" data-end=\"3105\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2804\" data-end=\"2829\"\u003eSelect Strong Plants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Save seeds from the earliest, healthiest and most productive cobs.\u003cbr data-start=\"2896\" data-end=\"2899\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2899\" data-end=\"2918\"\u003eDry Thoroughly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry cobs completely before shelling.\u003cbr data-start=\"2955\" data-end=\"2958\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2958\" data-end=\"2973\"\u003eStore Well:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store kernels in a dry, dark place in breathable containers.\u003cbr data-start=\"3034\" data-end=\"3037\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3037\" data-end=\"3051\"\u003eViability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seeds remain viable for 3–5 years if stored properly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3107\" data-end=\"3188\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3107\" data-end=\"3131\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3131\" data-end=\"3134\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"3134\" data-end=\"3186\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52198415499561,"sku":"MF-CORN-003","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0747\/6225\/6681\/files\/Painted_Mountain_Corn.webp?v=1764456988","url":"https:\/\/konnichiwa.ca\/products\/painted-mountain-corn","provider":"こんにちはマート | KON NICHIWA MART","version":"1.0","type":"link"}