{"product_id":"montana-morado-maize","title":"Montana Morado Maize","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eZea mays, ‘Montana Morado’\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContains ~ 50 Seeds per Packet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGermination 96% July 2025  Packed for 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 12.0pt 0in 12.0pt 0in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eOrigins and History\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eMontana Morado Maize is a distinctive heirloom flour corn developed and preserved in the northern Rocky Mountain region of the United States. Selected for its ability to mature in cooler climates with shorter growing seasons, this variety reflects careful adaptation through regional seed saving rather than industrial breeding. Its deep purple coloration links it culturally and genetically to ancient Andean and Mesoamerican purple maize types, long valued for their nutritional density and ceremonial significance. Montana Morado represents the meeting of traditional maize genetics with modern regional resilience. Our seeds are sourced from growers at Virginia Free Farm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 12.0pt 0in 12.0pt 0in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eAppearance and Characteristics\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eThis maize variety produces medium to tall stalks bearing well-filled ears with striking deep purple to nearly black kernels. The kernels are typically flinty to floury in texture, with a matte finish rather than the glossy sheen of sweet corn. Plants are vigorous and sturdy, showing good tolerance to cool nights and variable mountain weather. The intense pigmentation is due to high anthocyanin content, contributing both visual impact and nutritional value.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 12.0pt 0in 12.0pt 0in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eCulinary Uses\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eMontana Morado is primarily a flour corn, best suited for grinding into richly colored cornmeal or masa. It is excellent for cornbread, tortillas, tamales, polenta, and porridges, imparting a slightly nutty, earthy flavor. The purple pigments deepen when cooked, creating visually dramatic baked goods and traditional dishes. While not eaten fresh like sweet corn, it is highly valued for dry use and long-term storage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 12.0pt 0in 12.0pt 0in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eGrowing Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eThis maize thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture during early growth and pollination. It is well adapted to cooler summer climates and performs reliably in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9 as a warm-season annual. Adequate spacing and planting in blocks rather than single rows improves wind pollination and ear fill. Moderate feeding supports strong stalks and kernel development.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 12.0pt 0in 12.0pt 0in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eSowing and Maturity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eSeeds should be direct sown after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 55°F. Plant seeds 1 to 2 inches deep, allowing sufficient spacing for air flow and root development. Germination typically occurs within 7 to 10 days. Montana Morado Maize reaches maturity in approximately 90 to 110 days, depending on climate and growing conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 12.0pt 0in 12.0pt 0in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eHarvesting Guidance\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eHarvest ears once husks have dried and kernels are hard and fully colored, indicating physiological maturity. Ears may be harvested individually or as entire stalks, cut and hung to finish drying in a well-ventilated space. Once fully dry, husk and shell the kernels for storage. Properly cured grain can be stored long term in cool, dry conditions and milled as needed for fresh flour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VIRGINIA FREE FARM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50631696744681,"sku":"04-02-006","price":4.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0617\/6938\/4169\/files\/MontanaMoradoMaize.jpg?v=1773868085","url":"https:\/\/ujamaaseeds.com\/products\/montana-morado-maize","provider":"UJAMAA SEEDS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}