Known as "spinna rossa della Valsugana" in its native alpine home, the Sugana Valley in the Northern Italian province of Trentino, Floriani is an old land-race variety selected by the local farmers for many generations for one purpose: polenta. Like grits to the American south, polenta is at the center of the hearty rustic gastronomy of these southern foothills of the Alps, coarsely ground and slow-cooked to creamy perfection. Its flavor is exceptional, and while polenta is its traditional preparation, it is equally at home ground for corncakes and breads. We at Uprising have a soft spot for the Italian staple though and there are few dishes craved more than polenta ai funghi de bosco, soft polenta topped with porcini mushrooms. If you like, grate in some sharp alpine cheese like pecorino, grill something from the chicory family, open a bottle of Nebbiolo and spend a couple of hours with friends. 90-100 days. WG Packet: 1oz (80 seeds) [split] Growing Info SOWING: Seeds can be sown late spring (May) and into early Summer. Direct seeding recommended. Note: Corn prefers warmer ambient and soil temperatures (60F+), well-drained, light and loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic (6-6.8) pH, and ample water. Seeds may be sown every 3 weeks through early summer or stagger with different maturing varieties. PLANTING DEPTH: 1-2" This will depend on soil type and moisture. Drier soils require deeper sowing. SPACING: 2-3 seeds per linear foot, thinning to 8-12" between plants in rows 2-3' apart. Smaller blocks of 4 rows versus one long row will ensure good pollination. EMERGENCE: 5-14 days @ soil temp 60-65F LIGHT: Full sun is best! FERTILITY: Corn is a heavy feeder, especially of Nitrogen, and is thirsty, needing ample water, especially from tassel to harvest. An addition of compost/high Nitrogen fertilizer is beneficial mid-season/knee-high. ADDITIONAL NOTES: Remember that corn prefers warm temperatures, lots of water, fertility, and space. Keep em weeded, and remember that they have shallow roots! To prevent seed rot, sow seeds at soil temperatures 60F+ and do not overwater. Dry corn and Popcorn seeds can germinate at slightly lower soil temperatures. To avoid cross-pollination of Sweet and Supersweet varieties, you may stagger plantings, isolate by 25+', or choose varieties with different maturation dates. Harvest Sweet corn when silk is brown/dry, and kernels are milky. Waiting too long will cause excess starchiness. Eat Sweet corn fresh! Harvest Popcorn and Dry/Flour corn when the seed color is fully saturated and the seeds are hard and glossy. Then, cure in a well-ventilated, covered space. Popcorn will only pop when a low enough moisture content (13-14.5%) is achieved.
