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How to Grow Squaw Purple

Wikimedia Commons

Squaw Purple

Zea mays

vegetable

Squaw Purple is a distinctive heirloom corn variety featuring deep purple kernels and cobs, prized for both ornamental appeal and culinary use. This open-pollinated variety produces medium-sized ears with rich purple coloring and superior flavor compared to modern hybrids. It's a versatile corn that can be used fresh, dried, or ground into flour.

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Example Squaw Purple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Squaw Purple

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Squaw Purple

    Around Jul 16

    ≈ 90 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Squaw Purple dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 8+ hours daily for optimal growth and kernel coloration
💧
Water: Consistent moisture throughout growing season; 1-1.5 inches per week. Critical moisture needs during tassel emergence and silking (6-8 weeks after planting)
📏
Spacing: 8 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 90-110 days
🌱
Planting depth: 1-1.5 inches

Soil

Type: Rich, well-draining loamy soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost or well-rotted manure Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) Calcium source like lime if pH is below 6.0

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 4-8, can be grown in zones 3-9 with proper timing

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Germination & Emergence

7-10 days

Seeds sprout and push through soil; first leaves (cotyledons) unfurl. Seedlings are vulnerable to pests and need consistent moisture.

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 4-6 inches tall. Watch for seed corn maggots and cutworms.

2

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Rapid leaf development and stalk elongation. Plant grows 2-3 feet tall with 8-12 leaves visible. Root system strengthens. Purple pigmentation begins appearing in stalks and leaf bases.

Side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer at 4-6 leaf stage. Provide consistent water and monitor for fall armyworms. Ensure proper spacing to reduce disease.

3

Tasseling & Silking

2-3 weeks

Male flower (tassel) emerges from plant top; female flower silks extend from ear shoots. Pollen sheds and silks turn reddish-brown as they mature. Critical flowering period.

Maintain consistent, deep watering—this is the most critical moisture period. Do not allow soil to dry out. Hand-pollinate if plant isolation is poor or wind pollination seems inadequate.

4

Kernel Development & Maturation

3-4 weeks

Kernels fill out rapidly; ears become heavier and pendulous. Purple pigment intensifies in kernels and cob. Husks dry and turn brown. Stalks begin drying from bottom up.

Reduce watering as kernels mature. Monitor for corn earworm damage inside husks. Disease pressure typically decreases as plants mature. Allow at least 20 days for full maturity.

5

Harvest-Ready

Ongoing from 85+ days

Kernels are hard and deep purple; husks are dry and brown. Cobs are visible through loosened husks. Plants are nearly completely dry.

Harvest when kernels are hard and difficult to dent with thumbnail. Leave on plant 2-3 weeks after silking for fresh corn; 4+ weeks for dried corn or flour. Can harvest directly from cob once fully dry.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Beans Peas Squash Cucumbers Melons Pumpkins Lettuce Spinach

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale) Fennel Other corn varieties (for seed purity if saving seeds) Nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant)

Common Pests

  • Hand-pick worms from ears; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray at silking; apply mineral oil or spinosad to ear tips after silk emerges

  • Scout plants regularly; use Bt spray at first sign of damage; remove and destroy severely affected leaves; encourage natural predators

  • Plant resistant varieties; remove and burn plant debris in fall; use pheromone traps for monitoring; apply Bt sprays at tassel emergence

  • Plant in warmer soil (above 60°F); avoid fresh manure; use diatomaceous earth around seedlings; cover row crops with floating row cover

  • Create cardboard collars around seedlings; handpick at night; use Bt sprays; encourage ground beetles and spiders

  • Ensure consistent moisture; spray water to reduce dust; use neem oil or miticide if heavy infestation; encourage natural predators

Uses

🍳

Ground Flour & Polenta

Culinary

Squaw Purple kernels can be dried and ground into nutrient-rich cornmeal and polenta flour. The deep purple color indicates high anthocyanin content, making it visually striking and antioxidant-rich for baking and cooking. [source]

🍳

Fresh Eating & Corn on the Cob

Culinary

When harvested at the milk stage, Squaw Purple produces tender, flavorful corn suitable for boiling, grilling, or roasting. The purple kernels offer a naturally sweet, nutty flavor. [source]

🏠

Ornamental & Decoration

Household

The striking deep purple kernels and cobs make Squaw Purple ideal for fall decorations, dried corn arrangements, and craft projects. Dried ears are beautiful in wreaths, garlands, and seasonal displays. [source]

💊

Antioxidant Properties

Medicinal

Purple corn varieties contain high levels of anthocyanins and other phytonutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may support cardiovascular health and reduce oxidative stress. [source]

🎨

Cornmeal for Arts & Crafts

Craft

Dried kernels can be used whole in craft projects, decorative mosaics, and educational activities. The natural purple color provides striking visual contrast without dyes. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For fresh corn (eat-like-sweet-corn), harvest when kernels reach early-dough stage (18-20 days after silking) and milk is creamy when punctured. For dried corn (grinding flour or decoration), wait until kernels are completely hard and husks are papery-dry (4-6 weeks after silking). Ears can be husked fresh or dried in husks for several weeks. Store dried ears in cool, dry location. If saving seeds, allow ears to remain on plant until completely dry and mature.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Squaw Purple is an open-pollinated heirloom variety, meaning seeds can be saved year-to-year and will grow true to type, allowing gardeners to preserve this unique genetics for future seasons.
  • 🌱 The deep purple pigmentation in corn kernels comes from anthocyanins, the same powerful antioxidants found in blueberries and red wine, making Squaw Purple a nutritional powerhouse.
  • 🌱 This variety was traditionally grown by Native American peoples and is used in ceremonial contexts; the distinctive dark color and excellent grain quality made it a staple for dried corn, hominy, and cornmeal production.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Heirloom Hybrid Open-Pollinated Pollination
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