Ruby Queen
Zea mays var. amylacea 'Ruby Queen'
This stunning ornamental and culinary corn produces ears with deep ruby-red kernels that look like precious gems. While primarily grown for decoration and grinding into colorful cornmeal, the young ears can also be eaten fresh when harvested early. Ruby Queen adds dramatic color to fall displays while providing a unique ingredient for adventurous home cooks and bakers.
Harvest
100-110d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
5-8 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Ruby Queen in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 corn →Zone Map
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Ruby Queen · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | — | June – July | October – October |
| Zone 4 | — | — | June – July | October – October |
| Zone 5 | — | — | May – June | September – October |
| Zone 6 | — | — | May – June | September – November |
| Zone 7 | — | — | April – June | September – October |
| Zone 8 | — | — | April – May | August – October |
| Zone 9 | — | — | March – April | July – September |
| Zone 10 | — | — | February – April | July – August |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Color: Gold/Yellow. Type: Caryopsis. Length: > 3 inches. Width: 1-3 inches.
Garden value: Edible, Showy
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Edibile
Storage & Preservation
Store harvested Ruby Queen ears with husks on in a cool, dry location with good air circulation for final curing. Properly dried ears will keep for 6-12 months when stored in mesh bags or open containers away from moisture.
For ornamental use, remove husks after 1-2 weeks of drying and display ears in baskets or wreaths. The ruby kernels maintain their vibrant color for months when kept dry.
To preserve for culinary use, remove kernels from completely dried ears and store in airtight containers for up to 2 years. Grind small batches as needed since fresh-ground cornmeal has superior flavor. You can also freeze fresh kernels cut from young ears, though you'll lose the ornamental ruby color. The dried kernels can be ground into colorful cornmeal, used whole for hominy, or saved for planting next season.
History & Origin
Origin: Mexico
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut
- +Edible: Edibile
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Bush Beans
Fix nitrogen in soil, benefiting corn's heavy nitrogen needs
Pole Beans
Can climb corn stalks for support while fixing nitrogen
Winter Squash
Ground cover reduces weeds and retains soil moisture
Nasturtiums
Trap crop for cucumber beetles and aphids
Marigolds
Repel corn earworms and other pest insects
Sunflowers
Attract beneficial insects and provide windbreak protection
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects that prey on corn pests
Cucumber
Benefits from corn's shade and doesn't compete for nutrients
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Releases juglone toxin that inhibits corn growth
Tomatoes
Both are heavy feeders competing for same nutrients, attract similar pests
Brassicas
Stunted growth due to corn's allelopathic effects on cabbage family
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #168538)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good natural resistance to most corn diseases, hardy variety
Common Pests
Birds, corn earworm, European corn borer, squirrels
Diseases
Common smut, northern corn leaf blight, rust