Corn is a healthy and tasty product, which is represented by many different varieties. All of them differ in their purpose, vegetation period, taste and appearance. So, before choosing a suitable variety, you need to decide on the purpose of growing grain crops and familiarize yourself with the characteristics of its various types. What are the varieties of corn and how they are classified, we will understand further.
Popcorn popcorn popcorn
This type of corn is one of the oldest. Grains are obtained in small sizes, although there are different subspecies:
- rice - the top resembles a beak;
- pearl barley - has a rounded shape, like pearl barley;
- pearl - seeds are very small.
Grain contains an increased amount of protein (16%), fat (20%) and protein, which is why it is used in the production of cereals, cereals and other products. It also has a thin but strong shell, which does not crack, but allows moisture to accumulate inside, as a result of which the pulp “bursts” and explodes from the inside when critical pressure occurs. Thus, grains burst, so this corn is used to make popcorn.
When the grains are heated, the vapors begin to press into starch spherocrystals, which leads to a breakthrough of the pericarp and peel. At the same time, the upper vitreous layer is turned inside out by a lush white mass, due to which there is an increase in the grain and popcorn is obtained.
Popping corn looks beautiful, as it has many branches with numerous cobs and dense foliage. Grains are obtained in different colors: white, red, striped, blue.
The main varieties:
- Miracle bump red. China is considered the homeland. The plant is low (up to 1 m), but has a high bushiness and can form up to 10 ears. Their length is 10-13 cm, they have the shape of a cone. Grains are painted in dark red color, suitable for obtaining snow-white air flakes.
- Miracle yellow bump. It grows no more than 1 m, has an ear of about 11 cm, resembles a cone in shape. The small grains are slightly elongated, almost like long rice, but they have small whitish specks.
- Red Arrow. The variety is also from China. It has a height of up to 1.4 m. The plant branches well, and on one branch there can be up to 6 ears. They are quite long - grow up to 14 cm. Seeds of small sizes of a rounded shape are very beautiful, as they are painted in burgundy, almost black.
- Mini Striped. A fairly tall plant - can reach 1.8 m. Branched, you can get up to 3-4 ears. They have a length of 11-12 cm, in shape resemble a cylinder. Grains are small, kidney-shaped, white-red-striped.
- Pop-pop. The plant reaches a height of 1.3-1.7 m, gives a cob of cylindrical shape, which weigh about 200-250 g. The grains are yellow, quite wide and elongated.
- Zeya. Reminds the previous grade, but differs in grains. They are painted in burgundy or dark red, wide, rounded on one side, and pointed on the other.
- Vnuchkina joy. He loves moisture, does not tolerate drought and brings abundant crops only on well-fertilized humus soil. The plant grows to 1.5 m, gives cobs up to 12 cm long. The grains are light orange in color and resemble Zeya in shape.
- Hotel. The plant is characterized by high drought tolerance and resistance to lodging. Not afraid of high temperatures, so it can be grown even in the driest and hottest areas. The plant grows up to 2 m, gives cobs about 20 cm long. The grains are green and pearl-shaped.
The listed varieties are early ripening and ripen in about 80 days.
- Ping pong. Mid-early variety with a ripening period of 100-120 days. Gives short ears up to 15 cm. Grains are small and yellow.
- Volcano (Volcano bursting). The variety is medium early, loves heat and is resistant to many diseases. Shoots grow up to 2 m. Cob can be from 15 to 22 cm and give up to 100-120 g of yellow oval rice grain.
grade Miracle red cone
grade Miracle yellow cone
grade Red arrow
Variety Mini Striped
variety Lopay-lopay
variety Zeya
grade Vnuchkina joy
variety Hotel
Ping Pong variety
grade Volcano
Tooth corn
It is most popular throughout Russia. It can be grown in summer cottages for cooking or freezing. In industry, cereals, flour, alcohol and even silage for cattle are made from grains.
This type of corn is distinguished by large grains, which have a flat and slightly elongated shape. In the center of the grain and at its apex, the consistency of the endosperm is loose and mealy. When the grain ripens, a recess appears on its crown. It contains up to 75% starch, up to 5% vegetable fat and up to 10% protein, has a high vitreous and minimal mealy content.
Plants grow tall - about 2 m long, do not really shrub and give an excellent harvest - 150 c / ha when planted in early spring. It should be noted that many varieties of this category are medium-late crops.
Here are the most popular representatives:
- Ruby garnet. Mid-late variety of Russian breeders. It grows to 2.4 m. The cobs are cylindrical in shape, large and long (about 30 cm). Grains are large in size and somewhat resemble horse teeth. They have a reddish-ruby color. In industry, flour and cereals are produced from such corn.
- Red corn. Refers to medium-late plants - the growing season lasts 90-100 days. This variety is very useful for the prevention of cardiovascular and oncological diseases, and also normalizes blood pressure and blood sugar levels, therefore it is especially useful for diabetes.
- Indian giant. Late-ripening variety native to India. The growing season lasts up to 125 days. Corn is not in vain called a "giant", because it grows to 2.7 m and gives 3-4 ears. They grow up to 40 cm and have the shape of a cylinder. The grains are large, flat in shape and have a wide variety of color shades (white, yellow, orange, violet, lilac, black). The variety is great for boiled form, as it contains more than 30% sugar. In production, it is processed into cereals, flour, fodder for poultry and animals.
- Blue Jade. The mid-late variety was bred in North America. Its maturation occurs 4 months after planting. The plant grows up to 2.4 m. The cobs have a length of about 17 cm, a round-pyramidal shape. Large and flat grains are painted pink-blue, covered with small white dots. Corn is very tasty and unusual in boiled form. It has a preventive effect against serious diseases (cardiovascular, oncological, diabetes mellitus), since it contains a large amount of anthocyanin.
grade Ruby Garnet
variety Red corn
grade Indian giant
grade Blue jade
Flint corn
Not the most popular corn in production, because it has a low yield - up to 60-70 kg / ha. Meanwhile, the culture has many advantages, in particular it is highly resistant to frost and shedding (the crop can be harvested even after the onset of frost), has a strong stalk and is not exposed to many diseases that pose a danger to shoots. The variety is resistant to powdery mildew, rot and fungal ailments.
The grains have a rounded shape with a convex apex, a smooth and shiny surface. They contain up to 85% starch, up to 15% protein and up to 4-5% fat, due to which they go to the production of cereals, cereals and animal feed.
Popular flint corn varieties include:
- Cherokee blue. An early ripe variety from North America with a growing season of 80-85 days. The plant grows to 1.8 m. The ear has a length of about 17 cm and a pyramidal shape. The grains are medium in size and have a rare chocolate-lilac color. Delicious boiled corn and very healthy.
- Mays ornamental congo. An old late-ripening variety native to South America. Full ripening occurs after 130 days. The stems grow up to 2.4 m, look powerful and give up to 5 ears of corn about 21 cm long. The grains are quite large in size and have different colors. Corn can be eaten fresh, baked, or boiled.
Cherokee Blue
variety Mays Ornamental Congo
Semi-tooth-shaped corn is also distinguished - a hybrid that is obtained by crossing tooth-like and siliceous varieties. It is widely popular in the food industry.
Wax Corn
This group includes varieties of corn, the starch of which in its composition has only one component - amylopectin. Starch of other varieties consists of another element - amylose. So, due to the lack of monosaccharides, the wax culture is more slowly absorbed, therefore, it increases working capacity and reduces the blood sugar level. It follows that it is especially useful for diabetics.
Here are the popular varieties of waxy corn:
- Early pink shine. High-yielding super-early variety - ripens in 60 days. The plant grows 1.4 m long, has small cobs of a pyramidal shape (up to 14 cm). Grains are distinguished by unusual colors - they are pink and lilac. As it ripens, the corn becomes sweet, so it is tasty in a boiled form.
- White Dacota. This is early ripe corn - the growing season is about 80 days. The plant grows tall - up to 1.8 cm. The ears are up to 14 cm long and have a pyramidal shape. Grains are obtained in small sizes, white. This variety is suitable for freezing, cooking and baking.
- Black Waxy Corn. It belongs to mid-ripening varieties - it will take about 3 months to get ripe grain. The stems grow up to 1.7 m. The ears can have a small or medium size - from 10 to 20 cm. Grains acquire an unusual color - emerald black. Vegetable suitable for cooking.
variety Early pink shine
White Dacota variety
Black Waxy Corn
Interestingly, waxy corn was first discovered in China in 1909.
Waxy corn
This is a mutant that is obtained by crossing different varieties - toothy, North American and bursting Chinese. It is quite rare, since it occupies no more than 5-6% of all corn crops in Russia.
The grains on top are covered with an opaque glossy layer, and inside have a powdery structure and contain up to 95% starch, which is 100% amylopectin. In this regard, this culture is very similar to wax.
Waxy corn is mainly grown in China and is represented by varieties such as:
- Strawberry. Refers to mid-ripening varieties with a growing season of 80-90 days. The plant grows to a height of 1.8 m. The ear is obtained about 22 cm long and 2-2.4 cm wide. The grains are dark brown in color and resemble rice, small in size. This variety is suitable for the production of flour, cereals and feed for animals and birds. Separately, it is worth noting that the corn is very tasty in boiled form in milk-wax ripeness.
- Nacre. It is considered a mid-season variety - it ripens for 100 days from the start of sowing. The plants are quite tall - they reach 2.1 m. The ears of medium size are about 13 cm. The grains are whitish with a pearly tint and have a slightly elongated shape. Cereals are made from corn, and it is also boiled during milk ripeness.
- Red corn. Belongs to early ripening varieties native to North America. The growing season is not more than 90 days. The plants are tall and can reach 2.2 m. In addition, quite long ears (up to 24 cm) grow, which have a round-cylindrical shape. The grain is colored red. From it get flour and cereals. It has a sweet taste when boiled during milk ripeness.
Strawberry variety
grade Mother of Pearl
variety Red corn
Sugar (sweet) corn
It is considered a vegetable delicacy plant of the Myatlikovy family. It arose as a mutant by crossing toothlike and siliceous varieties. It is characterized by a relatively low content of starch in the endosperm and a high sugar content (up to 35%), in particular dextrin, a water-soluble sugar.
Sugar corn more slowly than others converts sugars into spare elements, so their concentration during harvest during milky-wax ripeness is higher.
Among the varieties of sweet corn, the most popular are:
- Honey nectar. A variety of early ripening with a growing season of 60-70 days. Plants actively develop in cold, short summers and grow to a height of 1.2-1.5 m. Medium sized cobs are up to 19 cm. The grains are golden in color and have a high content of sugary substance, therefore they are very tasty in boiled form. Grains are also subject to conservation and freezing.
- Divine paper 1822. This is a fairly rare variety native to China that ripens in 90 days. This name was obtained due to the fact that when dried, the grains flatten and become thin, resembling cardboard. The plant grows up to 2 m. The cobs have a round-cylindrical shape and can be of different sizes - from medium to large. The grains are whitish yellow and literally melt in the mouth after boiling. Seeds remain soft until mid-October.
- Bloody butcher. One of the rare early-ripening varieties comes from Peru. Matures in 68 days. The average height of the plant is about 1.6 m. The ears grow round-cylindrical in shape and large (up to 30 cm long). On one plant, 2-4 ears immediately grow. The grains are dark red in color and contain anthocyanins - antioxidants that slow down aging, normalize blood sugar, strengthen blood vessels, lower blood pressure and prevent many diseases.
Honey Nectar
grade Divine paper 1822
grade Blood butcher
Starchy corn
It is mainly cultivated in the countries of South America and in the south of North America. Plants are tall (over 2 m) and give long ears (about 30 cm) with a thin head of cabbage. The grains have a convex top, a smooth matte surface and a rounded shape. The endosperm has a high starch content, friability and mealy. Cereals contain about 12% protein, 5% fat and more than 80% starch, which is why it is mainly used to produce alcohol and starch.
Starchy corn is poorly preserved after harvest and is often exposed to various diseases, since it is practically devoid of an outer shell.
Famous varieties in this category:
- Mays concho. It belongs to the early ripening varieties and has an ancient history, since it was grown by Indians from North America. Shoots grow up to 2 m, and ears - from 20 to 35 cm. Grains of golden color, soft to the touch, large and slightly rounded. Corn is suitable for cooking and processing into flour.
- Thompson prolific. Late-ripening high-yielding variety, which is very popular in America, where it is grown on almost all farms. The plant grows on a gigantic size - up to 3.2 m high. On it cobs of 2-4 pieces are tied up, up to 42 cm long and shaped like a cylinder. Grains are large (2 times more than other grades), flattened and white. This corn is boiled, even fried. In industry, high-quality flour and feed for cattle and poultry are obtained from it.
grade Mays Concho
grade Thompson Prolific
Varieties of white corn
White corn is a hybrid that is distinguished by small sweet grains. As a rule, plants grow up to 2 m, are covered with linear pointed leaves and are capricious for the presence of light, which has a strong effect on productivity.
The most popular representatives of white corn include:
- Mermaid. A mid-early variety from Ukrainian breeders, which is not afraid of drought and highly resistant to disease. The growing season is 80-90 days. The cobs are formed in a conical shape, 16-18 cm long and weighing 200-250 g.Grains are white with a pleasant lemon tint. The sugar content in them is 14-16%.
- Snow White. An early variety with a growing period of 75-80 days, tolerates temperature extremes. The cobs are flat, cylindrical in shape, 18–20 cm long and weighing 200–250 g. The grains differ in rich white color, sweet and juicy.
- The Snow Queen. Mid-ripening variety with a ripening period of 90-100 days. The cobs of cylindrical shape are surprisingly impressive in size - they can reach 28-35 cm in length, so their mass is often 300-350 g. Grains are attracted by a beautiful mother-of-pearl shade.
- Medunka F1. Early ripe hybrid, the crop of which can be harvested 75 days after sowing. It tolerates sudden changes in temperature and drought. The cobs are formed at a distance of 60 cm from the ground, have the shape of a cylinder and average dimensions (length - 17-19 cm, width - 4-4.5 cm). The weight of one head is small - 150-170 cm. Grains are white and sweet (sugar content - up to 25%).
variety Little Mermaid
grade Snow White
grade Snow Queen
grade Medunka F1
Any white corn can be boiled, canned or frozen.
Japanese (decorative) corn
A variety of corn that is traditionally grown in Japan and is also called striped candy. Its original seeds were exported from the country in the mid-1800s and are now extremely rare.
The plant is demanding on light and gives a good harvest on light fertile soils, well warmed by air, permeable and protected from winds. Cranked stems grow to 1-1.5 m and have beautiful decorative foliage with green, yellow, orange and red stripes. Corn grains are burgundy red and can be used to make popcorn. It is best to use them in milk ripeness.
Japanese corn is a great plant that can also be grown in a pot on the patio to decorate a room or create original floral arrangements.
Varieties of corn varieties by ripening
In terms of ripening, corn, like many other crops, is early ripening, mid-ripening and late ripening. The most popular varieties of each category should be considered separately.
Early ripe and medium early
They can fully ripen in a short period of time, therefore it is better to grow them by seedling in regions with short summers. The most popular varieties and hybrids are:
- Gourmet. Full ripening occurs on day 75. The plant grows to 1.4-1.8 m. The ears are formed up to 22 cm long and weighing 170-250 g. The grains have an orange-yellow color and a wide elongated shape. Suitable for canning, boiling and freezing. The variety is high-yielding, shows high resistance to powdery mildew.
- Jubilee F1. It is considered mid-early sweet corn with a growing season of 80-100 days. Stems can grow up to 1.6 m, ears are also large - about 24 cm. Suitable for boiling, freezing. It has a good yield and a pleasant sweet taste.
- Landmark F1. This is a hybrid that matures in 70-80 days. The cobs are up to 20 cm long and have bright yellow grains with a sweet taste.
- Trophy F1. An early ripe hybrid that matures in 75 days. The ear is 22 cm long and weighs up to 220 g. The grain is golden and very sweet in taste.
- Sugar F1. Mid-early hybrid with a growing season of 75-80 days. The stems grow up to 1.8 m, and the ears - up to 20 cm. Their mass is on average about 225 g. Grains have a golden amber color and excellent taste.
variety Gourmand
grade Jubilee F1
grade Landmark F1
grade Trophy F1
Sugar F1
Mid-season
Ripen a little later than the early varieties, but better tolerate dry air in dry summers. Many have sweet grains. They are boiled, canned and frozen.
Popular varieties and hybrids include:
- Pearl. Harvest can be obtained in 83-91 days. It grows to 1.7 m. The cobs are formed about 21 cm long. The grains are well stored after harvesting.
- Sweetstar F1. A sweet hybrid with a growing season of about 73 days. It grows to 2.2 m. The cobs are quite large - about 24 cm. The grains are yellow in color.
- Spirit F1. The hybrid ripens in 63-79 days, grows up to 2 m. You can get cobs about 23 cm long, which have juicy golden grains with a high sugar content.
- Favorite. It will take 58-66 days for the corn to ripen. It grows to 1.8 cm. The ears are about 23 cm long and have bright yellow grains. When grown on light fertile soils, productivity reaches 45-55 kg per 10 square meters. m
- Delicacy. Sugar corn with a growing season of up to 70 days. The plant height is small - up to 1.4 m, but the ear grows up to 22 cm. The grains are saturated yellow in color and lend themselves well to any processing.
- Sugar Lingonberry. Corn ripens in 78-89 days. An ear reaches 21 cm in length and 5.7 cm in width. On average, it weighs up to 173 kg. The grains are bright yellow and juicy.
grade Pearls
grade Sweetstar F1
grade Spirit F1
variety Favorite
variety Delicious
Sugar Lingonberry variety
Late ripening (the most productive)
They have a long growing season, but easily adapt to various adverse conditions and give a plentiful harvest. The most prominent representatives are:
- Bashkirovets. The growing season is 144 days. The plant grows to 2.7 m. The ears are about 24 cm long. The grains are large (gain up to 350 g), yellow, flat. The variety is resistant to various fungal diseases.
- Polaris. Hybrid sugar variety with a growing period of 100-105 days. The stems grow up to 2 m, and the ears - up to 22 cm. They weigh an average of 320 g. Grains are large, yellow. Suitable for boiling, canning.
- Russian bursting 3. Late-ripening hybrid variety - ripens in 95-98 days. The stems grow up to 180-190 cm and give the cobs weighing 240-260 g. Grains are yellow and have an orange top. Great for making popcorn. When heated, 98% of the grain explodes.
variety Bashkirovets
grade Polaris
grade Russian bursting 3
The best varieties for growing from seeds
Among the varieties that are most successfully grown from seeds, the following are distinguished:
- Dobrynya. Belongs to early ripening varieties of corn. Ripe grains can be obtained after 2 months. The length of the plant is up to 1.8 m. Cob grows up to 21 cm. This is a sweet variety of corn, so it is suitable for boiling, canning. In addition, it is processed into cereals, flour.
- Syngenta. A medium late variety with a growing season of about 112 days. The cobs reach a length of 21 cm. Delicious when boiled.
- Spirit. Refers to mid-ripening varieties - ripens in 111 days. The stem grows to a height of 2.3 m, and ears - up to 23 cm. The grains are yellow in color, used for the production of flour and cereals.
- Early gold. Corn early ripening - it takes only 90 days. The hybrid is resistant to diseases of a fungal nature. The cobs reach 19 cm in length. The consistency of the boiled grains is soft and tender.
- Sundance F1. Low-growing plant of an early ripening period - 70-90 days. Plant height reaches 1.5 m. Grains of bright yellow color, elongated. Used for cooking and preservation.
variety Dobrynya
Syngenta variety
grade Spirit
grade Early gold
grade Sundance F1
The best varieties of feed corn
When choosing corn for feed, the most attention is paid to the leaf-stem, and not to the fruit part. According to this criterion, the following characteristics have the best characteristics:
- Pearl;
- Saratov sugar;
- Aurika F1;
- The Golden Fleece;
- Kuban early ripe;
- Viola.
The listed varieties of corn will be an excellent source of both silage and high-quality grain.
Is there a variety of Bonduelle?
There is definitely no Bonduelle variety. This name is given to the company producing canned corn. They use Spirit and Bonus varieties to make their canned goods.
But savvy domestic agricultural firms quickly realized it and started selling seeds that say “Bonduelle variety”, not only on bags of corn, but also on beans.
So, in order to plant corn in a summer cottage, you need to choose those varieties that can grow in this particular climate. In addition, the purpose of cultivation and the maturity should be considered. Some gardeners plant seeds of different varieties in order to experimentally choose the best option.