Zea mays 'Multicolor Hybrids'
Spectacular ornamental corn with brilliantly coloured decorative cobs
Zea mays 'Multicolor Hybrids' is a spectacular ornamental corn grown for its highly decorative cobs packed with brilliantly coloured kernels. Each cob develops its own distinctive combination of colours, including shades of red, orange, yellow, blue, purple and cream, creating an impressive mosaic effect that becomes especially striking as the cobs mature and dry.
Growing to approximately 150 cm tall, the strong upright plants also add valuable height and structure to summer borders. The colourful cobs mature towards autumn and are particularly prized for harvest decorations, dried arrangements, wreaths and seasonal crafts. Once properly dried, they retain their rich colours for a long-lasting natural display.
Why You'll Love It
● Spectacular multicoloured cobs with uniquely patterned kernels
● Rich mixture of red, orange, yellow, blue, purple and cream shades
● Excellent for drying and long-lasting autumn decorations
● Tall upright plants add dramatic structure to summer borders
● Every mature cob develops its own distinctive combination of colours
Ideal For
● Autumn and harvest decorations
● Dried flower arrangements
● Wreaths and seasonal crafts
● Tall sunny borders
● Natural table displays and centrepieces
How to Sow & Grow (UK)
Sow indoors: April–May
Plant out: May–June, after hardening off and once all risk of frost has passed
Direct outdoors: May–June, once the soil has warmed
Harvest: September–October, when cobs are fully mature and kernels have hardened
Life cycle: Frost-tender annual
Germination temperature: 18–21°C (65–70°F)
Average germination time: 7–14 days
Depth: Sow approximately 25 mm (1 in) deep and cover with compost or soil
Light required: No – seeds are covered for germination
Moisture: Keep compost evenly moist during germination; water regularly during active growth and cob development
Environment: Full sun in a warm, sheltered position
Soil type: Fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter
Plant spacing: Approximately 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
Mature height: Approximately 150 cm (5 ft)
Expert Growing Tips
● Sow seeds individually in deep pots or modules when starting indoors to minimise root disturbance when planting out.
● Plant ornamental corn in a block rather than one long single row. Corn is wind-pollinated, and group planting helps ensure good pollination and well-filled decorative cobs.
● Choose the warmest, sunniest and most sheltered position available, as corn needs plenty of warmth and sunshine to mature its cobs successfully.
● Water consistently once plants are actively growing, paying particular attention during flowering and cob development.
● For dried decorations, allow the cobs to mature fully until the kernels become hard, then harvest and dry them thoroughly in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place.
