Can one plant ornamental corn within pollination distance of sweet corn (Country Gentleman for instance)? I'm plotting out my veg garden and have conflicting info on this matter. It won't be a problem if I have to keep them separated. I just need to know. I've always wanted to grow my own orn. corn for fall. Now I see just the thing in the Territorial Seed's catalog.....now where to plant!
Can one plant ornamental corn within pollination distance ..
I think that's a no, but to be sure, you could ask you county extension agent if someone on here doesn't give you a definite answer.
Crow
They would have to be planted at least 100 feet away from sweet corn if you don't want them to cross-pollinate. Otherwise, it's pretty much grown the same way sweet corn is.
I was just at the county extension agent's. I think its a no also, but I got two flyers with conflicting info. If I don't hear anything else I will probably call Terrirorial Seed. They've got real good customer service. Thought I'd ask here first. Thanks much for responding, crowelli!
Had the same exact question... I read that if you stagger in time so that they are not pollinating at the same time you can avoid the cross pollination problem. I think the recomendation was minimum of 3 weeks difference. Let us know what you find out; I'm interested in this topic as well. Thanks Stacey
try posting on the vegetable forum--lots of corn growers over there; also lots of TX people over there.
Debbie
Well, I called the kind folks at Territorial Seeds and they told me that actually corn can cross pollinate from up to 1/2 mile away (those devils :))! They advise separating tassel times by 10 days. I think I'll probably go with 15 days and maybe more as ardvaak7 suggests since "stuff" happens when I'm in the garden. And the ornamental corn can indeed cross pollinate with the sweet corn.
So now we know!
dmj1218, I think I'm going to have to lurk on the veg forum as my veg garden is extending beyond my safety zone of tomatos and peppers and beans. It seems that the more space one gets the more space the garden gets. Thanks for the advice!
Glad your reaching out beyond your safety zone--I always push the edge of the gardening envelope.
Debbie
=)