New gardener with probably silly questions

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chirpin Braceville, IL Sep 05, 2017

Hi. I am a relatively new gardener and subscriber, eager to learn, with a couple of questions. Actually...I have lots of questions...but will start with a couple here.

This spring, I planted some "Glass Gems" decorative Indian corn. I've noticed that coming from the bottom of the stalks, there are these tentacles (roots) growing toward the ground. Most stalks have two or three layers of these. Is this normal corn "behavior"? Or did I not plant them deep enough and they are reaching for nutrients? The stalks are rather spindly, but have quite a few ears. The bottoms of the stalks have started to dry out already, even though I give them plenty of water, but I really want to get some dried ears. I plan to grow them again next year if these don't produce well, and want to arm myself with info.

Second question. I really like collecting seeds. If I pick a flower that has begun to go to seed, but is not quite dried out, will it mature to viable seeds if I keep it stored and dried...or do they have to dry completely on the stem first.
IE: I have tassel flowers, but most of the seeds blow away before I can collect them.

Thanks for any info
Christa


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Cville_Gardener Clarksville, TN(Zone 7a) Sep 05, 2017

Maybe a little shallow. Besides the main root, corn roots can come from the nodes that are above the surface of the soil. These roots are called brace roots and if conditions are favorable, are able to penetrate into the soil and effectively extract water and nutrients from the top soil layer.

Once you pick a flower, it stops growing and maturing. It's best to let flower heads dry on the plant if you are going to collect the seed. Otherwise, mold can be a problem.

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TomH3787 Raleigh, NC(Zone 7b) Sep 05, 2017

To collect seeds that fly away, try enclosing the seed pods/flowers in plastic mesh or nylon window screen, etc. (secure the mesh with wire twist ties, etc.) Just make sure the mesh size is small enough to prevent the seeds from escaping.

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chirpin Braceville, IL Sep 06, 2017

Thanks y'all !

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