Mexican Annual Teosinte

Similar to domesticated corn in appearance, however the ears are small (2-3") with only 1 row of triangular shaped seeds. Produces silks and tassels, but will be bushier with many branches. The seeds have hard seed coats, which need to be scarified so water can be absorbed. The seeds should be planted 1" deep during early spring or with summer rains. If rows, plant 2-3 seeds 15" apart: or 3-4 seeds 8" apart in basins (for arid regions) or hills. Zea mays parviglumis is an annual teosinte species that grow wild from Nayarit to Oaxaca. This is the subspecies of teosinte that was first domesticated on the Balsas River Valley beginning around 9,000 years ago.