Painted Mountain is an open-pollinated flint and flour corn developed by Montana breeder Dave Christensen over several decades by crossing many cold-hardy Native American and heirloom corns. It was bred specifically for extreme cold tolerance, short seasons, and drought, able to mature in high-altitude and northern climates where other corn fails. The ears are strikingly beautiful, with kernels in a rainbow of colors including red, blue, purple, gold, orange, and white, and are used for grinding into flour and meal, for decoration, and as a survival grain. Plants are short and quick, maturing in roughly 85 to 90 days, and are remarkably resilient. It is a favorite among cold-climate homesteaders, permaculture growers, and seed savers for its hardiness, adaptability, and vivid multicolored kernels.
Flavor Profile
Not a sweet corn; the dry kernels are ground into a nutty, wholesome flour and meal used for baking and porridge.
Visual Characteristics
Short, quick stalks bearing small ears with kernels in a vivid rainbow of red, blue, purple, orange, gold, and white.
Growing Tips
Exceptionally cold hardy and drought tolerant; ideal for short-season and high-altitude gardens, and let ears dry fully on the stalk before grinding.
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.