{"product_id":"corn-seeds-striped-japonica","title":"Corn Seeds, Striped Japonica","description":"\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eZea mays\u003c\/em\u003e) Flint corn. Native American flint corn first reached Japan with Portuguese traders in the 1500s, where it was treated primarily as fodder for livestock. During Japan’s Edo period (1603–1867), the centralized government—largely vegetarian for religious reasons—discouraged meat consumption, livestock numbers fell, and the need for fodder corn plummeted, leaving the crop in relative obscurity. With the Meiji period (1868–1912), meat returned to the diet and the demand for corn rose again, and along the way it was recognized as a tasty human food as well. From that long arc came a striking ornamental: Striped Japonica, bred in Japan and introduced to America in the 1870s. In about 85 days, plants reach around six feet, with foliage developing brilliant multicolored stripes of green, white, pink, and yellow—some stalks staying green, others carrying all four colors. Wine-colored tassels and crimson-black kernels add a tropical note in borders or containers, and the sturdy stalks can even serve as a trellis for climbers like sweet pea. When dried, the kernels can be ground into a tasty meal. We worked for years to find a pure strain, as much of what was sold was badly contaminated by GMO corn, and we may now present a strain that tested Non-GMO. Japonica is a stunning treasure from historic Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511055089950,"sku":"CN178","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/corn_striped_japonica_1.jpg?v=1782394866","url":"https:\/\/www.rareseeds.sbs\/products\/corn-seeds-striped-japonica","provider":"RareSeeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}