Zea mays

Border King is one of South Africa’s oldest open-pollinated maize varieties, bred for broad adaptability and high productivity across local climates. First developed in the Eastern Cape’s historic border regions, this variety quickly became a favourite among farmers and home growers for its reliability and performance. Plants grow to 1.5–2.7 m tall and produce large, green ears with 8–10 kernel rows. Its lasting freshness and well-filled cobs make it ideal for green mealies and traditional cooking.

Harvested fresh, Border King delivers tender, full-flavoured green maize perfect for boiling, grilling or roasting. Once mature and dried, it can also be milled into a soft, creamy maize meal. Its dual-purpose nature allows growers to enjoy early green maize while still saving a portion of the crop for staple use or seed.

Direct sow seeds into warm, moist soil once temperatures are above 15 °C. Plant 2–3 cm deep and space 20–25 cm apart in rows 50–75 cm apart. Always sow in blocks of four or more rows to ensure good pollination. Cobs can be harvested fresh around 75–85 days after sowing, or left to mature fully for dry use at approximately 120 days.

Livingseeds recommends a minimum of 40 plants. For seed saving or preserving this classic local line, 80–100 plants are necessary to protect its genetic diversity and vigour.

Standard packet contains approx. 120 seeds
Petite packet contains approx. 40 seeds