VegetableCorn
Bloody Butcher Corn
Bloody Butcher Corn lives up to its evocative name with stunning deep red kernels and pink-hued cobs that stretch up to 12 inches long. This gorgeous heirloom dent corn transforms any garden into a fall masterpiece while delivering exceptional flavor when ground into meal or flour. Growing 6 to 7 feet tall in zones 2-13, each stalk produces 2-6 ears that mature in about 110 days, though some sources report harvest times ranging from 110 to 120 days. Beyond its ornamental beauty, this open-pollinated variety serves as both stunning decoration and delicious sustenance.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-13
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Organic Matter
Growth Stats
84 in
Height
TypeBush
Spacing
10
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-13
Size
84in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
High
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Highlights
The dramatic coloring sets Bloody Butcher apart from ordinary field corn, with kernels displaying rich reds and occasional white variations that create natural artwork on every cob. Each towering stalk reaches 6-7 feet and generously produces multiple ears, making it both productive and visually striking. The variety excels as both ornamental display and culinary ingredient, grinding beautifully into cornmeal and flour with exceptional flavor. Its hardy nature thrives across an impressive range from zones 2-13, adapting to diverse growing conditions while maintaining its signature deep red beauty.
Common Uses
Bloody Butcher corn serves multiple purposes in the kitchen and home. When ground into meal or flour, it adds both nutrition and gorgeous color to baked goods and traditional cornbread. The ears can be eaten fresh as corn on the cob when harvested young, offering excellent flavor alongside visual appeal. Beyond culinary uses, the stunning red and pink cobs make exceptional fall decorations, bringing natural beauty indoors long after the growing season ends.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Plant seeds 1 inch deep in soil that has reached at least 60°F, spacing them in rows 3 feet apart with 2 feet between individual plants.
Harvesting
Harvest Bloody Butcher corn after 110 days when kernels are fully swollen and hard with a glossy appearance. For fresh eating, ears should be harvested when young, but for storage and grinding, wait until kernels are completely mature and the husks have mostly dried down. Remove ears from stalks by twisting or cutting them off, then bring husked ears under cover to complete drying if necessary.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Zea mays
Family
Poaceae
Genus
Zea
Growth Habit
Bush
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)VI (I)CAN (I)