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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Cuke on June 16, 2007, 14:58:22

Title: Probably daft Sweet Corn question...
Post by: Cuke on June 16, 2007, 14:58:22
Just been into the garden and had a look at my corn and it all seems to be growing nicely, but I have a question. I spotted what looks like an ear of wheat growing up in the middle of each plant. Is this what eventualy grows out the top and pollenates all the cobs?

Or am I mad? or have I got some weird kind of corn? lol
Title: Re: Probably daft Sweet Corn question...
Post by: Doris_Pinks on June 16, 2007, 15:00:37
"Is this what eventualy grows out the top and pollenates all the cobs?"

Yes you are spot on! And very pretty I think they look too! ;D
Title: Re: Probably daft Sweet Corn question...
Post by: Cuke on June 16, 2007, 15:03:33
Coooool thanks Doris_Pinks!

lol can you tell I've never grown corn before? ;)
Seem to be doing ok though, they're over 3 foot now and growing by the day! :)
Title: Re: Probably daft Sweet Corn question...
Post by: kenkew on June 16, 2007, 15:22:03
There's no such thing as a daft gardening question....well, apart from 'Which way up do I sow beetroot and pea seeds!!'
Title: Re: Probably daft Sweet Corn question...
Post by: Jeannine on June 16, 2007, 15:42:15
Well come on Kenkew, tell us so we do it right next time
Title: Re: Probably daft Sweet Corn question...
Post by: kenkew on June 16, 2007, 15:46:39
With beetroot, the crinkley bit goes to the bottom. With peas, the round side goes upwards. I you'd like me to go outside and dig some up to show you..... ::)
Title: Re: Probably daft Sweet Corn question...
Post by: calamityjayneuk on June 16, 2007, 19:41:10
can I add a question? Am I too late to sow some sweetcorn now? I have 'Lark' and 'double standard' from real seeds.
Title: Re: Probably daft Sweet Corn question...
Post by: kenkew on June 16, 2007, 19:56:33
You don't say where you live Cal' but I presume the UK? Too late now I'm afaid. UK summers are too short for late sowing. Keep your seed in a dry, cool place and start it off next March.
Title: Re: Probably daft Sweet Corn question...
Post by: calamityjayneuk on June 16, 2007, 20:10:19
Hi Kenkew

I'm in Co Durham, v cold where I live, so I bought quite a few seeds from real seeds that promised to do well in short cool summers.

I was too late for loads of things last year too. My OH got too bogged down in building things early in the year, everything was in greenhouse waiting for him to clear space. Next year I will try to get him building when nothing else needs done!
Title: Re: Probably daft Sweet Corn question...
Post by: telboy on June 16, 2007, 23:04:20
Hi Calamity,
A bit of a prob. here.
I reckon in your part of the country, it may be late to start now - but give it a go! your late summer/autumn may be great? if you have greenhouse, start them in there.
In my experience, corn seed don't keep.
Title: Re: Probably daft Sweet Corn question...
Post by: Jeannine on June 16, 2007, 23:26:39
Hi Calam, I would try too, try and get them to germinate quickly if you can in the airing cupboard .You have very little to lose. Corn seed does not last long, you should be OK for next year,I buy mine every three years and I keep them chilled,the germination falls off after 2 and  after that the germination is low. Do it straight away though. If part way through you know they are not going to make it, pull them as baby corn BEFORE they are pollinated. XX Jeannine
Title: Re: Probably daft Sweet Corn question...
Post by: calamityjayneuk on June 16, 2007, 23:50:45
thanks all

sounds like it's worth a try  - I will do some tomorrow, maybe I will get some babycorn