Zea mays Seeds | White Maize
LATIN NAME: Zea mays
COMMON NAME: White Maize
Plant Profile
Zea mays — White Maize — is a species in the grass family with genuine garden merit. Stalks grow fast and strong, and cobs fill out evenly. It likes sun, and rich, moist, well-drained soil. Few species give back so generously for so little effort.
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. In grass family, maize has a long, staple record in studies of grain crops, and white-kerneled forms appear in research on kernel starch and cob setting. A long cultivation history means growers know what to expect from it.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value White Maize for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. In sunny field and large garden, white maize cobs stalks with white grain. Kernels serve meal, tortillas and polenta for generations, young cobs serve fresh eating, and stalks feed stock after the harvest. It grows well in rich, moist, well-drained, sunny ground. In later seasons it demands little more than an appreciative eye.
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
Raising White Maize from seed is straightforward. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Part of this plant’s appeal is the long practical history summarized above. The medicinal tradition behind this species, outlined above, is a large part of its interest. Once the young plants are away, there is little left to do but watch them grow.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow White Maize often pair it with these related subjects: