Name: Basque Red Corn
Brand: Zea mays
Availability: InStock

Basque Red Corn

Zea mays

Basque Red Corn is a striking and historically rich landrace variety grown for centuries in the Basque regions of France and Spain. Plants grow tall and vigorous, producing large ears filled with glossy kernels ranging from deep red to yellow with beautiful red shading. This flint/flour corn is prized for its high protein content and versatility in the kitchen.

When ground, the meal carries flecks of red that give breads, polenta, and sauces a warm, reddish hue. Traditionally used for both human consumption and animal feed, this variety is deeply embedded in Basque food culture and continues to be used in regional dishes such as taloa and rustic corn breads.

Where Can You Grow Basque Red Corn?
Best suited for Zones 3–9, this variety thrives in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Like all corn, it benefits from block planting to ensure proper pollination and performs best with consistent moisture and warmth during the growing season.

History and Historical Uses
Dating back to the 16th century, Basque Red Corn was a staple crop in the Basque Country. It nearly disappeared in the late 20th century but was revived in the 1990s after a remnant population was discovered in a Spanish monastery. Thanks to traditional farmers and the Basque Arto Gorria cooperative, this culturally significant corn has been brought back into cultivation and continues to play a role in regional cuisine and agricultural heritage.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8–9: Direct sow after last frost; long growing season supports full maturity.
Zones 5–7: Direct sow once soil warms; choose a sunny, sheltered location.
Zones 3–4: Start indoors or use season extension for reliable harvest.

How to Grow and Harvest Basque Red Corn
Planting: Sow seeds 2.5cm (1in) deep in blocks rather than rows for good pollination.
Spacing: Space plants 20–30cm (8–12in) apart.
Watering: Keep evenly moist, especially during tasseling and ear formation.
Harvesting: Allow ears to fully mature and dry on the stalk for flour use.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply
Isolation: Separate from other corn varieties by at least 300m to maintain purity.
Selection: Save seed from strong, healthy plants with well-filled ears.
Drying: Allow ears to dry thoroughly before shelling.
Storage: Store kernels in a cool, dry place for long-term viability.

Certified Organic By
North Okanagan Organics Association

≈ seeds | g (oz)

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$0.00 CAD

In Stock


Common Name	Basque Red Corn
Scientific Name	Zea mays
Seed Count
Metric Weight	g
Imperial Weight	oz
Height	2–3m (6–10ft)
Spread	0.3–0.5m (1–1.5ft)
Canadian Zone Information	3-9
Growing Difficulty	Medium

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We (a small farm) ship every week, on Wednesday!

Pick up available from our farm stand 542 Wootton Road, Metchosin

100% Canadian Grown in Metchosin, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.

Processed-By-Hand

Certified Organic

Open Pollinated

Non-GMO

Frequently asked questions

We sell select products seasonally on our farmstand located outside our front gate. As working farm we are generally closed to the public and don't take orders or requests in person.

Maybe.

We ship all seed packages using Letter Mail through Canada Post.

However, if you order any Sprays, Bouquets, Root Stock, or Tubers; we automatically add protected shipping in a prepaid Canada Post box. These have a tracking number.

Save $20 when you spend $200

All our shipping fees include a handling fee

$7 Small Envelope

Orders 0g–7gup to 3 seed packages

$8 Medium Envelope

Orders 8g–15gup to 7 seed packages or ~ 1 Forager Pet Mix

$9 Large Envelope

Orders 16g–21gup to 10 seed packages and/or~ 1-2 Forager Pet Mix and/or rootstock/cutting

$13 Tiny Parcel

Orders 22g–44gup to 22 seed packages and/or~ 1-2 Forager Pet Mix and/or rootstock/cutting

$16 Extra Small Parcel

Orders 45g–135gSeed packages and/or~ 1-5 Forager Pet Mix/spray and/or rootstock/cutting

If you spend $200 this actually becomes free shipping with a $4 discount.

$19 Small Parcel

Orders 136g–500gSeed packages and/or ~ 1-5 Forager Pet Mix/spray and/or rootstock/cutting and/or 1 Tuber or JA

If you spend $200 this actually becomes free shipping with a $1 discount.

$22 Medium Parcel

Orders 501g–1400gSeed packages and/or ~ 1-5 Forager Pet Mix/spray and/or rootstock/cutting and/or 1-3 Tuber or JA

If you spend $200 this actually becomes $2.

$25 Large parcel

Orders 1401g–2500gSeed packages and/or ~ 1-5 Forager Pet Mix/spray and/or rootstock/cutting and/or 1-5 Tuber or JA

If you spend $200 this actually becomes $5.

$30 Extra Large Parcel

Orders 2501g and up

Anything your heart desires.

If you spend $200 this actually becomes $10.

Mistakes happen and can be fixed. So missing items, wrong items, or even damaged items can be replaced.

We will always work with you to find an appropriate solution.

Letter Mail can take up to 5-6 weeks.

Parcels can take up to 1-2 weeks.

We ship Wednesdays which can also lead to delays.

Yes. All our products are grown in Metchosin BC on 3 acres of Certified Organic land!

We are a resolution first small business. That means we would love for you to be happy with our products.

However, if you received a product damaged out of the box, send us a photo within 3 days of the delivery date, and we will provide a replacement or a refund. Please click the link below to read more details about our policy.

Refund Policy