Cascade Ruby-Gold Flint corn seeds grow into upright/erect plants reaching 61–72 in and producing 8–12 in ears; 8–12 kernel rows. The mixed kernels are suited to block planting, dependable pollination, dry or fresh harvest, and seed saving. Cascade Ruby-Gold Corn Seeds are a striking addition to any garden, showcasing a vibrant color palette that transitions from deep ruby red to a warm golden hue as it matures. About Cascade Ruby-Gold Cascade Ruby-Gold is an annual flint corn with mixed color, 61–72 in mature height or spread, and an upright/erect habit. Harvest form or size: 8–12 in ears; 8–12 kernel rows. Botanically it is Zea mays L. Maturity or first bloom: 80-89 Days; germination: 7-10 Days at 70–85 °F. Best for block planting, dependable pollination, dry or fresh harvest, and seed saving. The kernels are packed with a rich, nutty flavor, making them ideal for grinding into cornmeal or using in decorative displays. History and provenance Cascade Ruby-Gold is an open-source flint corn documented by the Open Source Seed Initiative. The OSSI record identifies its breeder and describes selection for reliable maturity in the Pacific Northwest, colorful flint kernels, ear quality, and food uses. The variety belongs to a modern, openly shared breeding history rather than an undocumented ancient lineage. Seed saving should preserve its color range, flint texture, maturity, and plant health while respecting the OSSI pledge attached to the variety. The Cascade Ruby-Gold Flint corn is a striking addition to any garden, showcasing a vibrant color palette that transitions from deep ruby red to a warm golden hue as it matures. The kernels are packed with a rich, nutty flavor, making them ideal for grinding into cornmeal or using in decorative displays. Whether ground into flour for cornbread and tortillas or roasted for a crunchy snack, its unique flavor profile shines through. The Cascade Ruby-Gold Flint is a true testament to the beauty and utility of heirloom varieties, promising both aesthetic and gastronomic satisfaction. Growing facts Scientific name Zea mays L. Life cycle Annual Maturity / first bloom 80-89 Days Germination 7-10 Days at 70–85 °F Seed depth 1 in Plant height / spread 61–72 in Growth habit Upright/Erect Spacing 10 in between plants; 30 in between rows Sunlight Full sun Soil Loamy; pH 6.0–6.5 Water Moderate Support No-Support Starting Cascade Ruby-Gold from seed How to grow Cascade Ruby-Gold Flint corn Botanical identity: Zea mays L. Life cycle: Annual. Sow 1 in and use a seed-zone temperature near 70–85 °F. Expected emergence: 7-10 Days. Direct sow after frost when the seed zone is warm; do not soak seed in cold or waterlogged soil Plant during Late Spring. Space plants 10 in apart with 30 in between rows or planting bands. Provide Full sun, moderate water, and loamy near pH 6.0–6.5. Support: No-Support. Garden performance and care Plant Cascade Ruby-Gold in a block rather than one long row so wind-carried pollen reaches the silks. Keep the bed evenly watered from tasseling through ear fill, and protect mature ears from birds and mammals if seed saving. Expected emergence is 7-10 Days; the listed maturity or bloom timing is 80-89 Days. Harvest, bloom, and uses Cascade Ruby-Gold is best for block planting, dependable pollination, dry or fresh harvest, and seed saving. Harvest form or size: 8–12 in ears; 8–12 kernel rows. Color at the principal harvest or mature stage: Mixed. The kernels are packed with a rich, nutty flavor, making them ideal for grinding into cornmeal or using in decorative displays. Saving seed Seed saving for Cascade Ruby-Gold Select several healthy, true-to-type plants so the saved lot represents the variety rather than one unusually early or large individual. Corn is wind-pollinated and highly outcrossing. Grow a substantial population in a block rather than one long row, and isolate the seed crop from other corn by distance, flowering time, or controlled pollination. Mark representative plants before pollen shed and remove clear off-types before they contribute pollen. For seed, leave ears until husks are brown and kernels are hard. Harvest before prolonged wet weather or animal loss, remove husks, and dry ears with strong air circulation until kernels cannot be dented with a fingernail. Shell, screen, and winnow only after full dry-down. Label the crop, cultivar, lot, year, field, population size, isolation method, selected plants, and any unusual ears. Store fully dry seed cool, dark, and protected from moisture and rodents. Test germination before an important planting. Common problems Cascade Ruby-Gold can be affected by poor pollination, corn earworm, armyworms, stalk lodging, smut, leaf diseases, birds, and rodents. Plant in a block, maintain even moisture at tasseling and silking, use balanced fertility, rotate crops, and inspect ears before storage. Uneven kernel fill usually points to pollen or silk stress rather than a seed-count problem. Frequently asked questions When is Cascade Ruby-Gold ready? 80-89 Days from direct sowing to dry seed or fully mature harvest How long does germination take? Expect 7-10 Days near 70–85 °F; actual emergence changes with moisture, seed condition, and soil temperature. How large does it grow? About 61–72 in with an upright/erect habit. Support: No-Support. Can it grow in a container? Best in an in-ground block large enough for dependable wind pollination; not recommended as a single container specimen. How is it used? Primary uses: block planting, dependable pollination, dry or fresh harvest, and seed saving. The kernels are packed with a rich, nutty flavor, making them ideal for grinding into cornmeal or using in decorative displays. Can I save seed? Yes where the crop biology allows, but keep compatible varieties isolated, use several healthy plants, wait for full seed maturity, dry thoroughly, and label the lot. Minimum Seed Count:20 seeds
