Corn, how do I know...

[Alberta]

Please tell me how to know when corn is completly finished growing? Some of the tassles are brown but the ears are so small and the corn on the cob itself is very small. I"m not sure of the variety, but it was a burpee brand that I bought on sale. Thank you in advance for any help,

Alberta

[kath]

Aside from checking the date of maturity, it varies a bit from one variety to the next but look for the tassels to be brown and feel the top of the ear through the husk for fullness. You can carefully peel back the husk enough to check some kernels- they should be a bit milky when poked. If it's not ready you could put an elastic band around the top to try to keep out the sap beetles, etc. Once you figure out what a ripe one looks and feels like you'll be able to pick them with more confidence. Hope that helps a bit.

kath

[Alberta]

thank you Kath, although I have been gardening since the 1980's I still have a problem knowing when corn is ready. Seems like you have given me all the info I need, thank you again,

Alberta

[rockhound]

I consider sweet corn to be ready 4 days after the silks shrivel and turn brown. Works for me.

[Tormato]

For me, sweet corn is ready 21 days after the silk appears,
+/- one day depending on the weather.

Gary

[ChrisK]

Yep. Mark on your calendar when you see the silks and put corn on the cob on the menu for 3 weeks later!

Originally Posted by Tormato

For me, sweet corn is ready 21 days after the silk appears,
+/- one day depending on the weather.

Gary

[paneman]

I concur, three to 4 weeks after the silks appear is a good rule of thumb.