Zea mays 'Variegata' (Variegated corn)

Botanical name

Zea mays 'Variegata'

Other names

Variegated corn, Variegated maize, Zea japonica 'Variegata', Zea mays f. variegata, Zea mays var. variegata, Zea mays var. japonica, Ornamental corn

Genus

Zea Zea

Variety or Cultivar

'Variegata' _ 'Variegata' is vigorous, erect, annual, cereal grass with sturdy, leafy stems bearing lance-shaped, arching, pointed, often red-flushed, cream and green-striped leaves and, in summer, spike-like panicles of small, yellow flowers followed by cobs with flatted, edible grains.

Native to

Garden origin

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Erect

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Colour

Flower

Green in Summer

Foliage

Mid-green, Variegated, Cream in Spring; Variegated, Mid-green, Flushed red, Cream in Summer; Mid-green, Variegated, Flushed red, Cream in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Cutworms , Frit fly

Specific diseases

Smut

General care

Pruning

70 days to maturity.

Propagation

Early sow indoors or under cloches in pots. Direct sow or transplant seedlings after last frost. To direct sow, plant 2 seeds 5cm deep, 15 cm apart, in rows 45cm apart. Isolate from other sweetcorn cultivars.

Propagation methods

Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Zea mays 'Variegata' (Variegated corn) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 1-2 years.

Suggested uses

Add to salads, Beds and borders, Flavouring food and drinks

Cultivation

Grow in deep, fertile, well-drained, slightly acid soil in a sheltered, sunny spot. Keep well watered. Dig the plot over in winter, adding peat or compost if ground was not manured. Fertilise 2 weeks before planting.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3, Zone 2

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Zea mays 'Variegata' (Variegated corn)

Common pest name

False codling moth

Scientific pest name

Thaumatotibia leucotreta

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous pest; detected mainly on citrus and peppers. EU regulation under consideration following recurrent interceptions.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/