SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Black Aztec

Corn
Zone 11a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Black Aztec to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Black Aztec
75d to harvest

Sink your senses into Black Aztec’s velvety, near-black kernels that gleam with a subtle satin sheen, promising a rich, earthy sweetness when ground for flour. The cobs develop in a bold, upright silhouette and fill out evenly, delivering a dense, fine-textured meal prized for its deep color and distinctive character. Grow this flour corn for baking and thickening with a dramatic, heritage-inspired hue that turns everyday recipes into something unforgettable.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsDec 15th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity75
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)60
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)28
Harden Off (days)Not Required

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Black Aztec in Zone 11a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Black Aztec.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Recommended Companions

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Ashley Cucumber
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Fireball Marigold
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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water Black Aztec beans during the main growing phase to keep pods forming?
During flowering and pod set (roughly after plants establish until harvest), keep the top 1–2 in of soil evenly moist but not soggy—typically about 1 in of water per week depending on rainfall and heat. Water deeply 1–2 times per week rather than daily sprinkles, and reduce watering if the soil stays wet or leaves look limp without sun stress. If the soil is dry 1–2 in down, water; if it’s damp at that depth, hold off to prevent root and fungal problems.
How do I tell when Black Aztec beans are ready to harvest at 75 days?
Harvest when pods are firm and filled and snap easily in half—typically around 75 days from sowing, but check starting at day 70. Look for pods that are about 4–6 inches long with seeds that are visible and well-sized; don’t wait until beans are fully dry and hard. For best texture, pick every 2–3 days once they start producing so new pods keep setting.
Botanical illustration of Black Aztec

Sink your senses into Black Aztec’s velvety, near-black kernels that gleam with a subtle satin sheen, promising a rich, earthy sweetness when ground for flour. The cobs develop in a bold, upright silhouette and fill out evenly, delivering a dense, fine-textured meal prized for its deep color and distinctive character. Grow this flour corn for baking and thickening with a dramatic, heritage-inspired hue that turns everyday recipes into something unforgettable.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Black Aztec in Zone 11a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Black Aztec.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Direct-sow sweet corn after soil warms (and keep it consistently moist) because seedlings suffer most from transplant root disturbance.