Maize 'Mandan Speckled' (Zea mays) seeds
- Traditional Mandan maize with blue-speckled kernels – decorative, flavourful and rich in history.
- Contents: Approx. 20 seeds
- Open-pollinated variety, seed tested regularly
€2.99
Description
An Indigenous Cultivated Plant with a Unique Appearance
The maize variety 'Mandan Striped' is a traditional cultivar originally grown by the Mandan people, an Indigenous nation of North America. Its compact cobs, measuring around 6–8 cm in length, are truly distinctive: cream-coloured kernels with characteristic blue speckling give this variety an exceptional, almost artistic appearance. 'Mandan Striped' matures early, making it a reliable choice even in temperate climates. Reaching a height of around 1 metre, the plant remains compact and is well suited to smaller gardens.
Culinarily, this variety is impressively versatile: the dried kernels can be pan-roasted into a crunchy snack or ground into fine cornmeal – ideal for traditional dishes or creative baking. In this way, 'Mandan Striped' brings together heritage, visual appeal and flavour in a truly unique combination.
Plant profile
| Use | Edible plant, Useful plant, Vegetable |
|---|---|
| Lifecycle | Annual |
| Species | Poaceae |
| Region of origin | Mexico |
| Characteristics | Needs darkness to germinate, Short-day plant |
| Eventual height | 80-120 cm |
| Flower colour | Yellow |
| Flowering months | August, July, September |
| Main harvest | August, July, October, September |
| Root system | Deep roots, Taproot |
Growing instructions
| When to sow outdoors | April, May |
|---|---|
| Sowing depth | 1-3 cm |
| Germination temperature | 18-24° C |
| Germination time | 1-2 weeks |
| Soil type | Free-draining, Humus-rich, Nutrient-rich |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Water requirement | High |
| Nutrient requirements | Heavy feeder |
| Planting distance | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 50 cm |
Sowing and care
Sowing & Care of 'Mandan Striped'
Sow directly outdoors from mid-April, 2–3 cm deep, with a planting distance of approximately 45 cm. As maize is wind-pollinated, several plants should be grown in a block formation to ensure good pollination. Starting the seeds indoors from April can further increase yields. 'Mandan Striped' prefers sunny to partially shaded locations with loose, humus-rich soil and requires consistent watering during cob formation.
A particularly rewarding method is the traditional companion planting with beans, inspired by Indigenous cultivation practices: the maize acts as a natural support for climbing beans, while the beans enrich the soil with nitrogen. This creates a stable, productive growing system – in the spirit of traditional agriculture and seed preservation.
Other names
Botanical name: Zea mays
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