Ornamental Corn, Sorghum & Wheat Seeds for Fall Crafts and Displays

JB078 Silver Tip Wheat ( Triticosecale spp. )

Silver Tip Wheat is an exceptionally attractive ornamental grain prized for its elegant silver-tipped seed heads, graceful growth habit, and outstanding value in both fresh and dried floral arrangements. Derived from triticale, a hybrid of wheat and rye, this unique ornamental selection combines the beauty of traditional grain crops with the hardiness and vigor that have made triticale an important agricultural plant around the world.

As the plants mature, the developing seed heads take on a striking silvery sheen that catches sunlight beautifully, creating a shimmering display unlike that of ordinary wheat. Whether grown in containers, ornamental borders, cutting gardens, or decorative grain displays, Silver Tip Wheat brings both beauty and historical interest to the landscape.

Plant Characteristics

Botanical Name: Triticosecale spp.
Common Names: Silver Tip Wheat, Ornamental Triticale
Plant Type: Cool-Season Ornamental Grain
Mature Height: 24 to 48 inches
Mature Spread: 6 to 12 inches
Growth Rate: Fast
USDA Zones: Grown as an annual in most regions
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Requirements: Average, well-drained soil

Container Growing

Silver Tip Wheat performs surprisingly well in containers and decorative planters, where the elegant seed heads create a unique architectural display.

Use containers at least 10 to 12 inches deep.
Provide good drainage.
Use a quality potting mix.
Plant several seeds together for a fuller display.
Place in full sun for strongest growth.

Container-grown specimens are particularly attractive on patios and decks where the silver seed heads can be viewed up close.

Germination Information

Sow seeds 1 inch deep.
Maintain temperatures between 55°F and 75°F.
Keep soil evenly moist.
Provide full sun after emergence.
Germination typically occurs within 5 to 10 days.

Seedlings establish rapidly and quickly develop into vigorous plants.

Growing Information

Plant in full sun.
Provide moderate moisture.
Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.
Requires little maintenance.
Harvest seed heads when fully mature for dried arrangements.

Silver Tip Wheat is easy to grow and rewards gardeners with a striking ornamental display throughout the season.

Cut Flower and Dried Arrangement Value

Silver Tip Wheat is exceptionally valuable for dried floral arrangements. The seed heads maintain their shape and coloration long after harvest and are frequently used in wreaths, harvest displays, centerpieces, and rustic decorations.

TPF220 Sugar Drip Sorghum

Just as the variety names says, it is sugary sweet. One of the earliest-maturing varieties for the South, and one of the most widely grown varieties in the southern mountains. Grows 6-8 feet tall, susceptible to lodging if not harvested early. Used for early production of very good quality syrup. 102 days.

TPF261 Dale

120 days. Sturdy 12 ft. stalks with excellent disease resistance, well adapted throughout the Southeast. Syrup has delicious mild flavor with good color; small, reddish-brown seed also good for grits and pancake flour, we think the pancakes made from this are absolutely the best! Missouri’s Sandhill Farm uses this variety for their fine sorghum syrup. 125 days.

AW74 Broomcorn, Mixed Highlights

Brooms are made from a plant called broomcorn. Broomcorn is a type of sorghum plant. The tassels at the very top of the plant are what broom makers use to make brooms after the seeds have been removed. You can grow broomcorn for livestock feed and make brooms, whiskbrooms and other items from the sturdy seed heads and stalks. The best broomcorn selection we've seen that includes colors of red, natural, tan, cordevan and yellow.
Harvest when straw is still streaked with green and kernals are still soft to avoid heads shattering.

AW49 Black Amber Sorghum

This heirloom is one of the earliest molasses sorghums known. 6-8' stalks bear shiny black seeds and make fine brooms. A good intercrop for pole beans and peas.
One of the earliest sweet canes introduced to American agriculture. Milky sweet, used primarily as a syrup sorghum. Can also be used as a silage crop. 99 days.

TPF297 Japonica Striped Maize ( Ornamental Corn )

Japonica Striped Maize is one of the most spectacular ornamental corns grown for both its stunning variegated foliage and its brilliantly colored ears. Unlike ordinary corn grown strictly for food production, this heirloom ornamental variety is prized from the moment it emerges. The broad leaves are beautifully striped with shades of green, cream, white, pink, and occasionally deep burgundy, creating a tropical appearance that makes the plants attractive all summer long. By late season, the colorful foliage is complemented by decorative ears displaying kernels in rich shades of red, purple, blue, yellow, orange, white, and black. The combination of ornamental foliage and vibrant ears makes Japonica Striped Maize one of the most eye-catching plants in the garden.

Why Grow This Variety?

Few ornamental plants provide as much season-long beauty as Japonica Striped Maize. Long before the colorful ears develop, the dramatic striped foliage creates a striking architectural display in flower beds, borders, vegetable gardens, and landscape plantings. As autumn approaches, the multicolored ears add a second season of beauty, making this variety a favorite for harvest decorations, dried floral arrangements, and fall displays. It grows quickly, reaches impressive heights, and serves as both an ornamental feature and a natural privacy screen.

Appearance & Ornamental Value

The broad, gracefully arching leaves display unique variegation unlike any other corn variety. Individual plants often develop different color combinations, with cream, white, pink, green, and burgundy striping that becomes even more vibrant during warm summer weather. Mature ears are equally impressive, with glossy kernels displaying an extraordinary range of jewel-like colors that remain beautiful long after harvest.

Decorative Uses

Autumn harvest displays
Fall wreaths and floral arrangements
Seasonal porch decorations
Natural privacy screens
Background planting in flower gardens
Children's educational gardens
Dried ornamental displays
Landscape focal points

Nutritional & Practical Value

Although primarily grown as an ornamental corn, mature kernels can be used similarly to other ornamental or flint corn varieties after proper drying. The ears are commonly saved for decorative purposes, seed saving, wildlife feeding, or grinding into cornmeal if desired, although their primary value remains their extraordinary beauty rather than culinary use.

Growing Information

Botanical Name: Zea mays var. japonica
Plant Type: Warm-season annual ornamental grass
Days to Maturity: Approximately 95-110 days
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
Plant Height: 6-8 feet
Spacing: 10-12 inches between plants
Row Spacing: 30-36 inches
Water: Moderate with consistent moisture during active growth

Japonica Striped Maize grows best in full sunshine where its colorful foliage develops its brightest variegation. Plant in groups or blocks to create an impressive visual display while also ensuring excellent wind pollination for attractive ear production. Rich soil and consistent moisture encourage vigorous growth and maximum ornamental value.

Harvest & Storage

Allow the ears to mature fully on the stalk until the husks begin drying naturally. Harvest before prolonged wet weather, then cure the ears in a dry, well-ventilated location. Once completely dry, the colorful ears will retain their beauty for months or even years when displayed indoors. Dried stalks and foliage can also be incorporated into autumn decorations.

TCB093 Strawberry De-lite Ornamental Popcorn

Botanical Name: Zea mays var. everta

Strawberry De-lite Ornamental Popcorn is a charming heirloom variety that produces abundant miniature ears closely resembling bright red strawberries. Compact plants are highly productive, yielding numerous jewel-like ears that are perfect for autumn displays, wreaths, centerpieces, and seasonal crafts. While prized for its ornamental beauty, the glossy ruby-red kernels also pop into tender, flavorful white popcorn with a satisfying old-fashioned taste. Easy to grow and naturally attractive, Strawberry De-lite offers the perfect combination of decorative appeal and edible harvest, making it an excellent choice for gardens, farm markets, and fall decorating.

Days to Maturity: 95–105 days
Plant Height: 4–5 feet
Ear Length: 2–4 inches
Kernel Color: Glossy Ruby Red
Uses: Ornamental displays, wreaths, fall decorations, crafts, gourmet popcorn, home popping

VL373 Strawberry Popcorn

The Strawberry Popcorn is a stunning heirloom variety that doubles as a gourmet snack and a festive fall decoration. Named for its small, blunt, cone-shaped ears that resemble oversized strawberries, this 19th-century variety produces deep mahogany or ruby-red kernels that add a "gem-like" brilliance to any garden.
A "Magical" Harvest: While the kernels are a deep, jewel-toned red, they "magically" pop into tender, fluffy white popcorn with a rich, nutty flavor.
Dual-Purpose Beauty: Use the 2–3 inch ruby ears for striking autumn centerpieces, wreaths, and table displays before popping them for a cozy movie night.
Garden Friendly: These compact "dwarf" plants typically grow only 4 feet tall, making them a perfect fit for raised beds or smaller garden plots where traditional corn might be too imposing.
Natural Pest Resistance: This variety has high resistance to corn earworms due to "maysin," a naturally occurring compound that protects the developing ears.
Versatile Kitchen Staple: If you have a surplus, these flint-type kernels can be ground into a beautiful, flavorful cornmeal or polenta.

105 days.

Our list of Ornamental Corns/Grains from around the World

Ornamental Wheat

Sorghum