Zea mays 'Baby Corn Strawberry' – Red ornamental corn for a colorful accent

Zea mays 'Baby Corn Strawberry' is a well-known ornamental corn plant that stands out for its small, bright red cobs and compact growth. This variety is ideal for borders, pots, garden beds, and autumn decorations, where the red cobs add a striking splash of color to any garden design. With its ornamental appearance and easy cultivation, 'Baby Corn Strawberry' is popular with both home gardeners and landscape designers looking to add a graceful, colorful corn plant.

External characteristics

Baby Corn Strawberry plants are compact and upright, bearing small, 10–12 cm long, spikes that emerge bright red. The combination of narrow leaves and colorful spikes creates a lively and playful effect in borders or containers. This variety is purely ornamental and not grown for consumption, allowing the focus to be entirely on ornamental value and visual impact.

The red cobs form a beautiful contrast with the green foliage and are ideal for combining with autumn flowers, ornamental grasses or other annual ornamental plants for a rich colour palette.

Growth and cultivation

Zea mays 'Baby Corn Strawberry' can be sown directly in the ground or under plastic for an early harvest. The most important growing information:

• Sowing period: From early/mid May directly in warm soil

• Row spacing: 60–70 cm between rows

• Planting distance within the rows: 15–20 cm

• Maturation time: About 105 days after sowing

• Location: Full sun for optimal color development and sturdy plants

• Soil: Well-drained and nutritious

By following these guidelines, the plant will develop sturdy stems with an abundance of decorative red spadixes, suitable for borders, pots or decorative garden projects.

Flowering and harvest

The red cobs of Baby Corn Strawberry ripen from late August, depending on sowing time and the weather. Sowing early or using plastic sheeting can accelerate the harvest period. The compact, 10–12 cm cobs are perfect for decorative accents, dried work, or autumn arrangements.

Applications

Baby Corn Strawberry is versatile:

• Borders and flowerbeds – Create height and color accents in the garden

• Containers and pots – Perfect as a solitary or combined with autumn flowers

• Autumn decoration – The bright red cobs are excellent for dry arrangements or decorative baskets

• Garden Design – Add a tropical or playful element to modern and natural gardens

Maintenance and tips

For optimal ornamental value of Zea mays 'Baby Corn Strawberry':

• Keep the soil moist during dry periods

• Provide sufficient sunlight to enhance the red color of the cobs

• Remove any damaged leaves for a neat appearance

• Support plants if necessary in windy conditions

Ornamental value

Zea mays 'Baby Corn Strawberry' offers a compact, decorative, and colorful addition to any garden. The red spikes create a striking contrast with green foliage and other flowers, making it ideal for borders, pots, and autumn decorations. Its compact size and brightly colored spikes also make it an excellent choice for short rows or smaller garden projects.