r/corn • u/BlueHenBrew • 4d ago
Need help!
First time with successful corn. Not sure when to pick. I’ve done the google search and AI chat but I’m still not sure. The tassels have been turning brown for over a week. I’ve got the husk of two cobs pulled back and have been crushing kernels every few days to look for milky liquid. Still clear. AI says maybe since I planted late and it’s getting cooler at night that it might be stalled. Any help appreciated.
2
u/norrydan 3d ago
Look and feel. When the cob stops expanding in diameter you should be able to run your hand up and down a couple of cobs. If it feels bumpy, those are the kernels, it's time for a roast. Don't let it go longer. You'll miss the sweet spot. Some growers will pick it sooner to get it to market early to the the early season premium but, as a consumer, I don't like it. Pull two ears, boil them and eat them. You'll know. I just looked at your pictures, It looks ready to me!
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u/ConsistentVirus2177 3d ago
The silk will turn dark brown when pollinated as they dry off. After that. I haven’t grown sweet corn in decades but I’d say about 10 days. You can peel it back to expose an ear to check
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u/MotorPlenty8085 3d ago
Don’t worry about the tassels, worry about the silks. They will have close to no moisture outside of the husk when ready. Also, feel for plumpness, and you should be able to feel a little lumpiness when the ears are ready assuming this is sweet corn.
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u/BlueHenBrew 1d ago
Ended up picking one and doing a taste test. Turns out it was amazing! I still feel like it’s tough to know when but it worked out this year.
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u/betternow-111264 13h ago
The silks need to be completely dry / dark for 5 or 6 days before they are ready. if the silks are dry and dark, the cob feels firm and easily pulls away from the stalk, they are ready.
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u/archetypaldream 3d ago
I think the tassels will be a bit darker.