Manually pollinating Sweet Corn

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GreenGuvnor Somerset, NJ(Zone 6b) Jul 20, 2009

Hi!

Has anyone ever attempted to pollinate sweet corn manually?

I have 4 rows of super sweet corn about 18"-24" between rows that are about 5"- 9" between stalks and want to help things along and hopefully get a better yield than by relying on the wind..

As this is my first time growing corn, I'm hoping there's an easy way to do this (illustrations or really good descriptions would be gratefully received!)

Thanks!

Post #6842127
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Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Jul 20, 2009

At that row distance just walk between the rows when the pollen starts falling. The least shake of the plant releases it. All it has to do is fall from the tassel to the silk. If you have any wind at all it will take care of itself.

Post #6842664
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GreenGuvnor Somerset, NJ(Zone 6b) Jul 20, 2009

Thanks!

I was just outside doing a Kevin Costner in my mini corn field!!!

Does it actually have to go between different plants or just land on the same one? I'm used to the bees doing all my work for me ;)

Post #6843761
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Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Jul 21, 2009

Its a lot simpler. Of the normal vegetables, only cucurbits are bee pollinated. Corn is normally wind pollinated. pollen fills the air and on whatever silks are between it and the ground

Post #6844005
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GreenGuvnor Somerset, NJ(Zone 6b) Jul 22, 2009

I'm getting tassels but no silk/cobs. The plants are about 3-4 ft high. Is this the makings of a sad botanical disaster movie or do they appear later?

Post #6848999
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Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Jul 22, 2009

Depending on cultivar, corn starts tasseling between 2 and 4 ft tall. Ears ( shoots) began at full tassel extension ( 5- 9 ft tall). Silks emerge just as the tassels bloom ( start throwing out tons of yellow pollen) Usally a couple of weeks interval agin depending on cultivar.

Post #6850036
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