Ornamental Corn

Key Considerations

Land	Medium
Labor	Medium
Capital	Low

Take the HortBizQuiz to see how much Land, Labor, and Capital you have for your operation.

Markets

Direct to Consumer
- Farmer's Market
- On-Farm Stands
Auctions

Pests & Disease

Corn earworm is one of the most destructive insects attacking corn. Ornamental corn requires the same level of insect control given to commercial sweet corn. Deer, groundhogs, raccoons, and birds can also cause crop loss.

$2300 Cost per Acre

Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.

$950 Returns per Acre

Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.

Challenges

Ornamental corn will freely cross-pollinate with other types of corn, such as field and sweet corn, making isolation necessary.

Opportunities

Growers who host pumpkin tours, grow other fall crops, or have corn mazes should consider growing ornamental corn.

A benefit of growing a non-edible crop is that food safety concerns associated with food crops can be greatly reduced.