I grew mini corn last year and intend to do the same this year, but would also like to try sweetcorn (Sutton's 'Applause'). I know the mini corn is picked before fertilization and the sweetcorn must not be fertilized by other varieties. I would like to grow them as near together as possible, but not more than three yards apart. I'm not sure if this will be far enough, though. I was wondering if the tops of the mini corn could be cut off, as they are not needed for fertilization and if so, when? This would protect the sweet variety, but would it effect the mini corns from developing? I'm sure there must be others who have grown more than one variety at the same time and would appreciate any advice or ideas, so that I can decide where I'm planting this year.
It does matter which pollinated what if the full cobs are the supersweet type. They go starchy and horrible if they're cross-pollinated.
On the other hand, it matters not a jot if you snap off the minicorn tassels - but beware - they grow very tall and you have to reach up!
I have done this for the past 3 years with no problem as I've grown Minipop next to F1 Ovation and F1 Lark. Same bed, adjacent row.
moonbells
Thanks Moonbells, I will certainly grow both varieties this year and snap off the minicorn tassels as you suggested.
Freesia
A lateral question concerning the minicorn ...
Is it necessary to grow a variety specifically bred for minicorn, or can normal sweetcorn just be harvested early ... ? I hope you can follow my though processes here, if normal corn can be grown, then harvesting minicorn simply becomes an issue of timing ...
We grew the purple mini corn next to Supersweet the other year, the minicorn did cross polinate but only in a few plants, those that did were still edible but not as good, they also had the occasional purple corn scattered amongst the cob.
I would think if you seperated them by a bit of distance, and grew your climbing beans between the two crops as a barrier it shouldn't be a problem. :)