Should I be seeing corn forming now?

19 years ago

I planted 2 rows of corn 3 months ago. They are striving and doing quite well even with the extreme heat. While all over 2 feet tall, several are 4' tall. On these, I can see grainy tendrals sprouting from the top, but there still aren't any signs of corn at the bottoms of my stalks. Should they be producing by now? Is it because of the heat, things are taking longer? I just switched from hand watering to a soaker system attached to drips that come on 3 times a day/15 minutes each time so their water should be more consistent. Anything else I should be doing?

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Comments (6)

gonefishin
19 years ago
Depending on the fertility of your soil, sometimes corn appreciates a little side dressing of some nitrogen when it begins to bear.

Those sound like the tassels on top of the stalks of corn. Can you detect any thickening where some of the leaves join the stalk ? That should be the beginnings of an ear of corn and it should soon start growing some silk from that juncture as the little ear of corn emerges. It sounds like you are getting close, at least.

If you click here, then on Baby corn production to open the PDF document then scroll down slightly, you will see a picture of about what it will look like.

I hope that this helps some.
Bill P.
growingup
Original Author
19 years ago
Thank you. I don't see any thickening yet, and yes, tassels (I think I mistakingly said tendrals). I think my whole garden can use some nitrogen. Thank you!
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paulc_gardener
19 years ago
There is something definately wrong. If it is full season corn ( 80 to 85 days ) it should be over six feet tall. It would have tasseled at about 60 days. Corn only 2 ft to 4 ft tall indicates extra early hybrids. 65 days to mature and would tassel about 45 days. What variety did you plant? Knowing that would help solve your problem.
growingup
Original Author
19 years ago
I honestly don't know. From the packet, all I remember is sweet corn. I am a novice gardener so I didn't pay special attention to exact names when planting. I had almost given up on my corn popping up in March because it didn't sprout for a few weeks. Once it did, it really started growing. I have a regulated watering system now and with monsoon season coming next month, hopefully I'll see some action in my garden.
vgkg Z-7 Va
19 years ago
The top tassles will shoot upwards quickly and extend first just before the ears/silks show up. Short corn and/or no ears present could mean the plants are too crowded (or too little nitrogen or well balanced fertilizer). Corn needs at least 8" between plants to produce well. I'd also change your watering method to heavy watering but only twice a week, you may be drowning the roots the way you are doing it now.
josie23
19 years ago
It does seem to be taking its time. I planted my first section about 45 days ago. It's not tassling yet but is a little over "knee high". With some much needed rain I hope to be eating the early stuff in about another 30-40 days

Your corn also seems short to be tassling unless it is only supposed to get 4-5' tall like some popcorn varieties.

If it tassles and produces ears you should at least get something to eat, if the plants remain short the ears will be small though.

Let us know what happens. Can you post a photo?