SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Black Aztec

Corn
Zone 12b 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 12b, 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 12b typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Black Aztec.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 12b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Recommended Companions

Little Leaf H-19 Cucumber
View Details →
Music Box Sunflower
View Details →
Red Gem Marigold
View Details →
Durango Red Marigold
View Details →
Salt and Pepper Cucumber
View Details →
Chianti Sunflower
View Details →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Black Aztec beans showing brown, water-soaked spots or yellowing leaves—what disease is this and how do I fix it?
Brown, water-soaked spots that spread can be bean blight, especially after humid, wet weather. Remove and discard the worst leaves, then stop overhead watering and water only at the soil line; improve airflow by spacing plants well if they’re crowded. If you still have new growth, apply a labeled copper-based fungicide early (at the first signs) and avoid harvesting wet foliage.
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.
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 12b typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Black Aztec.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 12b, 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.