Tall, stately stalks—from six to ten feet—bear ears of mottled white, blue, and occasional purple kernels set on a red cob: this is Cherokee White Eagle Corn, an heirloom deeply rooted in the agricultural and spiritual traditions of the Cherokee Nation. The striking color patterns—white mingled with blue, sometimes an “all-blue” ear—are more than decorative: they carry meaning and memory.
For generations, this variety has been preserved by the Cherokee Nation’s seed-bank and cultural programs, recognized as among the tribe’s most sacred corns. Historically, it provided not only sustenance but also connection: hands that planted it, harvested it, and milled it into meal or hominy, knew themselves rooted in land and lineage. The corn’s role extends into ceremony, culture, and remembrance—so that the agrarian and spiritual weave together.
The kernels of Cherokee White Eagle are ideal for grinding into fine meal or flour, making cornbread, tortillas, or mush, and when nixtamalized (a traditional alkaline treatment used by Southeastern Indigenous farmers) the corn becomes more nutritious and versatile.
Days to maturity: ~100–120 days
Seeds per pack: ~60 seeds
Germination rate: 90% 10/15/2025
Plant directly in warm, well-prepared soil once all danger of frost has passed and soil is consistently above ~60°F. Space seeds 8–10 inches apart in rows 30–36 inches apart; better yet, plant in blocks for proper pollination. The tall stalks (8-10 ft under good conditions) will benefit from full sun, consistent moisture, and moderate fertility. Harvest when ears have matured on the stalk—husk green turning pale, kernels firm—if you are saving seed or grinding flour; for fresh use some may pick earlier though this variety excels as a grain corn rather than tender sweet corn.
Corn is wind-pollinated; to maintain the integrity of this heirloom Cherokee line, isolate your planting from other corn varieties by as much distance as feasible (¼ mile or more preferred) or stagger planting dates so tassel/pollen shed doesn’t coincide with other types. Select ears that most clearly express the typical kernel pattern (white + blue mix, red cob) and avoid those with off-type coloration if preserving true type. Leave ears on the stalk until fully dry (husks papery, kernels hard) then harvest and further dry in a ventilated space if needed. Shell clean seed, remove chaff, and store in a cool, dry, dark place. Properly stored seed remains viable for 3–5 years or more.
Tall, stately stalks—from six to ten feet—bear ears of mottled white, blue, and occasional purple kernels set on a red cob: this is Cherokee White Eagle Corn, an heirloom deeply rooted in the agricultural and spiritual traditions of the Cherokee Nation. The striking color patterns—white mingled with blue, sometimes an “all-blue” ear—are more than decorative: they carry meaning and memory.
For generations, this variety has been preserved by the Cherokee Nation’s seed-bank and cultural programs, recognized as among the tribe’s most sacred corns. Historically, it provided not only sustenance but also connection: hands that planted it, harvested it, and milled it into meal or hominy, knew themselves rooted in land and lineage. The corn’s role extends into ceremony, culture, and remembrance—so that the agrarian and spiritual weave together.
The kernels of Cherokee White Eagle are ideal for grinding into fine meal or flour, making cornbread, tortillas, or mush, and when nixtamalized (a traditional alkaline treatment used by Southeastern Indigenous farmers) the corn becomes more nutritious and versatile.
Days to maturity: ~100–120 days
Seeds per pack: ~60 seeds
Germination rate: 90% 10/15/2025
Plant directly in warm, well-prepared soil once all danger of frost has passed and soil is consistently above ~60°F. Space seeds 8–10 inches apart in rows 30–36 inches apart; better yet, plant in blocks for proper pollination. The tall stalks (8-10 ft under good conditions) will benefit from full sun, consistent moisture, and moderate fertility. Harvest when ears have matured on the stalk—husk green turning pale, kernels firm—if you are saving seed or grinding flour; for fresh use some may pick earlier though this variety excels as a grain corn rather than tender sweet corn.
Corn is wind-pollinated; to maintain the integrity of this heirloom Cherokee line, isolate your planting from other corn varieties by as much distance as feasible (¼ mile or more preferred) or stagger planting dates so tassel/pollen shed doesn’t coincide with other types. Select ears that most clearly express the typical kernel pattern (white + blue mix, red cob) and avoid those with off-type coloration if preserving true type. Leave ears on the stalk until fully dry (husks papery, kernels hard) then harvest and further dry in a ventilated space if needed. Shell clean seed, remove chaff, and store in a cool, dry, dark place. Properly stored seed remains viable for 3–5 years or more.
