Smoik Hu:ñ

I love this corn! I planted it alongside some corn I got from Walmart, and while the Walmart corn died in our 100+°F dry heat, the Smoik Hu:ñ thrived! I discovered that even with less water it will still produce seed. The only difference is that the stalks grow shorter and thinner, and the cobs end up about half the size of a normal plant. Several plants even produced double ears, and the yield was impressive—I was able to harvest about 3 kg of corn from a fairly dense patch in my backyard. I made nixtamal with it, and the flavor was really, really good. Overall, I’ll definitely plant it again next year in larger numbers so I can save more seed.

Tips for growing it better:

Plant about 12 plants per square meter; that seems to be the optimal density.

Start seeds around July 1st. I tested smaller plots at different times, and so far the ones that required less water overall were those started then. (I’ll need to wait a couple more weeks for the cobs to fully dry on the plant before saving seed and measuring yield.)

During the first few weeks, the corn can survive with very little water. By the time it reaches tasseling and seed production—when water demand peaks—the weather cools down significantly, so less water is lost to evaporation.

At least here in USDA Zone 7b (Albuquerque, NM), this timing works perfectly since we usually still have about a month of growing season left (with the first frost historically in October).

I got a faulty press and they instantly sent another one with the return label for the last. Great product and customer service.

98 % gemmation - plants strong and very good - 2 ears on many of the plants - will be a good harvest.

I'm very proud and honored and humble to be able to buy and support native seeds we are living in the natives land and you need to respect by supporting and the knowledge is insurmountable

The seeds have sprouted and are growing very well. I am very excited to reach the harvest. Thank you for keeping this wonderful heritage alive!