Corn

Centaurea cyanus 

A dramatic heirloom cornflower producing double blooms in rich shades of deep burgundy, maroon and near-black. The velvety flowers are held on tall, slender stems above grey-green foliage, creating a striking contrast in cottage gardens, cutting beds and wildflower plantings.

One of the darkest cornflowers available, Double Black Ball adds depth and sophistication to the garden while remaining just as easy to grow as its more traditional blue relatives. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators and bloom generously over a long season.

Excellent as a cut flower, the blooms also dry beautifully, retaining much of their rich colour for arrangements and crafts. Their unusual colouring pairs wonderfully with pastel flowers, ornamental grasses and other cottage garden favourites.

The petals are edible and can be used as a decorative garnish for salads, cakes, desserts and herbal tea blends.

Approximately 300 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to August
Mild climates: Autumn to spring
Cold climates: Spring and autumn

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly where plants are to grow in autumn or spring, or raise seedlings in trays and transplant carefully. Cover seed lightly and keep moist during germination. Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Space plants approximately 20–30cm apart. Cornflowers are drought tolerant once established and perform well in poorer soils. Regular picking will encourage continued flowering. Approximately 10–12 weeks to flowering.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Centaurea cyanus

Double White Ball is an elegant Cornflower producing pure white, fully double blooms on tall, graceful stems. A beautiful contrast to the traditional blue Cornflower, its soft white flowers work particularly well in cottage gardens, mixed borders and cutting gardens.

The long stems and abundant blooms make this an excellent variety for fresh cut flower arrangements. Left in the garden, the flowers attract bees and a range of beneficial insects. Hardy, drought tolerant once established and easy to grow, Cornflowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.

Seed count: approximately 250 seeds/g
Approximately 400 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to winter
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Spring, or autumn where winters are not severe

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly where plants are to grow in autumn or spring, approximately 5–10 mm deep. Cornflowers generally prefer direct sowing, although they can be raised in trays and transplanted carefully while young.

Thin or space plants approximately 20–30 cm apart in full sun and well-drained soil. Regular picking or deadheading will encourage further flowering.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.

Not available for WA

Zea mays

Early Leaming is a traditional heirloom corn valued for its vigorous growth and dependable early harvest. Plants grow to around 3 m tall and typically produce two cobs up to 225 mm long with deep, narrow yellow kernels. Harvest the cobs young for sweet eating, or allow them to fully mature over approximately five months for drying and storage. A productive variety well suited to home gardens.

Approximately 70 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: September to January
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: After the last frost

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly into well drained, fertile soil in full sun once the soil has warmed. Plant seeds 2–3 cm deep, spacing plants 20–30 cm apart in blocks rather than single rows to ensure good pollination. Keep plants well watered during flowering and cob development. Harvest young cobs for fresh eating or allow them to fully mature for drying.

Not available for WA.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.

Zea mays

Oaxacan Green is a remarkable heirloom maize originating from southern Mexico, where it has been grown for centuries by the Zapotec people. The striking emerald green kernels are traditionally milled into a distinctive green flour for making tamales and tortillas. Plants grow to approximately 1.6–1.8 m tall and produce beautiful ornamental cobs while remaining drought tolerant and reliable under a range of conditions. Matures in around 75–105 days.

Approximately 25 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: September to January
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: After the last frost

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly into well drained, fertile soil in full sun once the soil has warmed. Plant seeds 2–3 cm deep, spacing plants 20–30 cm apart in blocks rather than single rows to ensure good pollination. Keep plants well watered during flowering and cob development. Harvest young cobs fresh or allow them to mature and dry completely for milling into flour.

Not available for WA.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.

Zea mays

Blue Mini is a compact and highly decorative Popcorn producing several small, beautifully coloured blue cobs on plants reaching only around 1 m tall. Despite its modest size, each plant can produce approximately 4–6 cobs, making it a productive choice for smaller vegetable gardens and spaces where full-sized corn varieties can be cumbersome.

The kernels mature to shades of slate-blue to deep blue and can be dried for popping. The small cobs are also particularly attractive when dried and used in seasonal displays and decorative arrangements.

Corn has been cultivated in the Americas for thousands of years, with popcorn representing some of the oldest known forms of maize. Popcorn varieties contain a hard outer hull surrounding a starchy centre; when heated, moisture trapped within the kernel turns to steam until the pressure causes the kernel to burst and expand.

Blue Mini is a warm-season crop that performs best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and regular moisture. Corn is wind pollinated, so grow plants together in a block rather than a single long row to encourage good pollination and well-filled cobs.

Approximately 40 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Spring to autumn
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: Spring after the last frost to early summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly into warm soil approximately 2–3 cm deep. Space plants approximately 20–30 cm apart, with rows 50–75 cm apart. For reliable pollination, plant in a block of several short rows.

Keep consistently watered during establishment, flowering and cob development. Corn is a relatively hungry crop and benefits from fertile soil and additional feeding during active growth.

For popcorn, leave the cobs on the plants until the husks and kernels have matured and begun to dry. Harvest and continue drying the cobs thoroughly before removing and popping the kernels.

If saving seed, isolate Blue Mini from other corn varieties flowering at the same time, as corn cross-pollinates readily and crossing can affect both seed purity and kernel characteristics.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.

Not available for delivery to Western Australia.

Not available for WA.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.

Zea mays var. everta

Saturn is a traditional Popcorn variety producing attractive cobs filled with golden-yellow kernels that burst into crisp white popcorn when heated. Grown specifically for popping rather than eating fresh from the cob, the kernels develop the hard outer hull needed to trap steam and create their characteristic pop.

Popcorn is one of the oldest forms of cultivated maize. Archaeological evidence from the Americas shows that people were popping corn thousands of years ago, long before modern sweet corn varieties were developed. Zea mays var. everta is the specialised flint-type corn traditionally associated with popcorn, its dense kernels expanding dramatically when heated.

Once properly dried, Saturn can be popped and eaten simply or seasoned with salt, herbs, spices, butter or sweet coatings. The golden mature cobs are also attractive dried and stored whole until the kernels are required.

Like other corn, Saturn is a warm-season crop and performs best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and regular moisture. Corn is wind pollinated, so plants should be grown together in blocks rather than a single long row to encourage good pollination and well-filled cobs.

Approximately 200 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Spring to autumn
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: Spring after the last frost to early summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly into warm soil approximately 2–3 cm deep. Space plants approximately 20–30 cm apart, with rows 50–75 cm apart. For reliable pollination, plant in a block of several short rows.

Keep consistently watered during establishment, flowering and cob development. Corn is a relatively hungry crop and benefits from fertile soil and additional feeding during active growth.

For popcorn, leave cobs on the plants until the husks have browned and the kernels are hard and mature. Harvest and continue drying the cobs thoroughly in a well-ventilated position before removing the kernels. Properly dried kernels are essential for good popping.

If saving seed, isolate Saturn from other corn varieties flowering at the same time, as corn cross-pollinates readily and crossing can affect both seed purity and kernel characteristics.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Zea mays

Anasazi is a fascinating open-pollinated heirloom Corn producing colourful kernels in varying combinations of red, blue and white. The name Anasazi has commonly been interpreted as “ancient ones”, reflecting the variety’s association with the agricultural traditions of the American Southwest.

Anasazi is particularly versatile because it can be harvested at different stages. For sweet corn, pick the cobs young while the kernels are still pale yellow, tender and milky. At this stage the flavour is rich and corn-like rather than intensely sweet like many modern hybrid sweet corns. If allowed to mature fully, the kernels develop their characteristic colours and dry to a hard maize suitable for grinding into cornmeal, grits or finer flour.

Plants are remarkably drought tolerant and capable of performing in relatively poor soils, although good fertility and regular moisture will significantly improve yields. Under favourable conditions plants can produce approximately 2–3 cobs each.

Corn originated in the Americas and has been cultivated and selected by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years, developing into an extraordinary diversity of colours, forms and culinary types. Open-pollinated varieties such as Anasazi can also be seed saved from year to year, allowing growers to continue selecting plants particularly well adapted to their own conditions.

Seed count: approximately 4–7 seeds/g
Approximately 90 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Spring to autumn
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: Spring after the last frost to early summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly into warm soil approximately 2–3 cm deep. Space plants approximately 20–30 cm apart, with rows 50–75 cm apart. Plant in blocks rather than single rows, ideally with at least 30 plants where space permits, to encourage effective wind pollination and well-filled cobs.

Corn is a heavy feeder and benefits from fertile soil, generous organic matter and regular feeding during active growth. Water deeply during dry weather, particularly during flowering, pollination and cob development.

For sweet corn, harvest when the silks have browned and the kernels are still plump and milky. For flour or maize, leave cobs to mature fully until the kernels have hardened and developed their characteristic red, blue and white colouring, then harvest and dry thoroughly before storing or grinding.

If saving seed, Anasazi must be isolated from other corn varieties flowering at the same time. Corn is readily wind pollinated over considerable distances, so use substantial physical isolation or stagger planting times sufficiently to prevent overlapping flowering.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety. Not available for delivery to Western Australia.

Zea mays

Balinese is a productive heirloom sweet corn that grows to around 2 m tall and typically produces two medium-sized cobs with light yellow kernels per plant. The thick stalks and abundant foliage make it an excellent dual-purpose variety, providing a generous harvest for the kitchen while also serving as a valuable fodder or cover crop. A vigorous, reliable corn suited to home gardens and small farms.

Approximately 80 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: September to January
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: After the last frost

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly into well drained, fertile soil in full sun once the soil has warmed. Plant seeds 2–3 cm deep, spacing plants 20–30 cm apart in blocks rather than single rows to ensure good pollination. Keep plants well watered during flowering and cob development. Harvest cobs when the kernels are plump and release a milky sap when pierced.

Not available for WA.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.

Zea mays

Balinese is a productive heirloom sweet corn that grows to around 2 m tall and typically produces two medium-sized cobs with light yellow kernels per plant. The thick stalks and abundant foliage make it an excellent dual-purpose variety, providing a generous harvest for the kitchen while also serving as a valuable fodder or cover crop. A vigorous, reliable corn suited to home gardens and small farms.

Approximately 80 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: September to January
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: After the last frost

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly into well drained, fertile soil in full sun once the soil has warmed. Plant seeds 2–3 cm deep, spacing plants 20–30 cm apart in blocks rather than single rows to ensure good pollination. Keep plants well watered during flowering and cob development. Harvest cobs when the kernels are plump and release a milky sap when pierced.

Not available for WA.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.

Zea mays

Country Gentleman is a historic American open-pollinated Sweet Corn, introduced in the late 19th century and treasured for its rich flavour and unusual kernel arrangement. Unlike the neat rows seen on most modern corn, its narrow white kernels are packed irregularly around the cob, giving rise to the old name “shoepeg corn”.

The plump, creamy kernels are tender and richly flavoured, with the full-bodied sweetness characteristic of traditional open-pollinated sweet corns. Excellent eaten fresh from the cob, steamed, boiled or grilled, the kernels can also be cut from the cob for soups, salads, fritters, relishes and preserving.

Plants generally produce around two cobs each and are a particularly good choice for the home garden. Country Gentleman matures relatively late, rewarding the longer growing season with excellent eating quality and substantial, well-filled cobs.

Corn originated in the Americas and has been cultivated and selected by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Open-pollinated varieties such as Country Gentleman can be seed saved from year to year, allowing growers to maintain the variety and select plants particularly well adapted to their own conditions.

Approximately 50 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Spring to autumn
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: Spring after the last frost to early summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly into warm soil approximately 2–3 cm deep. Space plants approximately 20–30 cm apart, with rows 50–75 cm apart. Plant in blocks of several short rows rather than a single long row to encourage effective wind pollination and well-filled cobs.

Corn is a heavy feeder and benefits from fertile soil, generous organic matter and regular feeding during active growth. Water deeply during dry weather, particularly during flowering, pollination and cob development.

Harvest for eating when the silks have browned and the kernels are plump and milky when pierced. Sweet corn is at its best soon after harvest, before the sugars in the kernels begin converting to starch.

If saving seed, isolate Country Gentleman from other corn varieties flowering at the same time. Corn is readily wind pollinated over considerable distances, so substantial physical isolation or sufficiently staggered planting times are required to maintain the variety true to type.

Maturity: approximately 83–100 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety. Not available for delivery to Western Australia.

Zea mays

Early Gem is a quick-maturing open-pollinated Sweet Corn producing sweet yellow cobs on medium-sized plants. Typically producing around two cobs per plant, it is a reliable home garden variety particularly useful where the growing season is shorter or an earlier corn harvest is wanted.

The tender yellow kernels have a good traditional sweet corn flavour and are best harvested while plump and milky. Enjoy fresh from the cob, steamed, boiled or grilled, or cut the kernels from the cob for salads, fritters, soups, salsas and preserving.

Early Gem has a tidy, upright growth habit and generally does not produce side shoots or tillers, concentrating its growth into the main stem and developing cobs. Like all corn, however, it is a hungry crop and performs best in fertile soil with generous feeding and consistent moisture.

Corn originated in the Americas and has been cultivated and selected by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years, developing into an extraordinary diversity of colours, forms and culinary types. Open-pollinated varieties such as Early Gem can be seed saved from year to year, allowing growers to maintain the variety and select plants particularly well adapted to their own conditions.

Approximately 60 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Spring to autumn
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: Spring after the last frost to early summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly into warm soil approximately 2–3 cm deep. Space plants approximately 20–30 cm apart, with rows 50–75 cm apart. Plant in blocks of several short rows rather than a single long row to encourage effective wind pollination and well-filled cobs.

Corn is a heavy feeder and benefits from fertile soil, generous organic matter and additional feeding during active growth. Water deeply during dry weather, particularly during flowering, pollination and cob development.

Harvest when the silks have browned and the kernels are plump and release a milky liquid when pierced. Sweet corn is at its best soon after harvest, before the natural sugars in the kernels begin converting to starch.

If saving seed, isolate Early Gem from other corn varieties flowering at the same time. Corn is readily wind pollinated over considerable distances, so substantial physical isolation or sufficiently staggered planting times are required to maintain the variety true to type.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety. Not available for delivery to Western Australia.

Zea mays

Golden Bantam is a classic heirloom sweet corn renowned for its rich flavour and reliable early harvest. The sturdy plants grow to around 1.5 m tall and typically produce two or more cobs measuring 15–17 cm long, filled with golden yellow kernels. Maturing in just 73–80 days, it remains a favourite for home gardeners seeking tender, sweet corn with exceptional taste.

Approximately 50 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: September to January
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: After the last frost

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly into well drained, fertile soil in full sun once the soil has warmed. Plant seeds 2–3 cm deep, spacing plants 20–30 cm apart in blocks rather than single rows to ensure good pollination. Keep plants well watered during flowering and cob development. Harvest cobs when the kernels are plump and release a milky sap when pierced.

Not available for WA.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.

Zea mays

Golden Bantam is a classic heirloom sweet corn renowned for its rich flavour and reliable early harvest. The sturdy plants grow to around 1.5 m tall and typically produce two or more cobs measuring 15–17 cm long, filled with golden yellow kernels. Maturing in just 73–80 days, it remains a favourite for home gardeners seeking tender, sweet corn with exceptional taste.

Approximately 50 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: September to January
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: After the last frost

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly into well drained, fertile soil in full sun once the soil has warmed. Plant seeds 2–3 cm deep, spacing plants 20–30 cm apart in blocks rather than single rows to ensure good pollination. Keep plants well watered during flowering and cob development. Harvest cobs when the kernels are plump and release a milky sap when pierced.

Not available for WA.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.