Zea mays Seeds | Purple Maize
LATIN NAME: Zea mays
COMMON NAME: Purple Maize
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Purple Maize, Zea mays is a tall, robust grass in the grass family. It likes sun, and rich, moist, well-drained soil. Its flowers draw a steady traffic of bees and other beneficial insects. It is the sort of plant that quietly justifies the space it occupies.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the grass family regularly include Zea mays in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. Anthocyanin pigments of purple maize hold a recognised place in research on staple cereals of grass family, and purple forms appear in studies of antioxidant pigments and coloured grain. The upshot for anyone sowing it is reassurance — cultivated stock of this plant has a long, well-documented track record.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Purple Maize has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. In summer garden, purple maize plumes summer rows with purple tassels. Kernels serve flours, porridges, drinks and traditional dishes for generations, coloured pigments serve natural food colourings, and tall stalks give leafy screen. It grows well in rich, moist, well-drained, sunny ground. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
Corn feeds the world, and corn silk is its gentle medicine: the golden styles are a traditional diuretic tea for urinary comfort across Asia and the Americas; the germ oil is rich in vitamin E.
Growing from Seed
Starting Purple Maize from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Given the right start, Purple Maize is a long-term garden companion. It tolerates the sort of small mistakes every beginner makes.
Related Reading
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