When is Sweet Corn is Ready to Pick?
Do you know when you should pick your sweet corn? In the past, I have picked my corn too early and also too late. The thing with corn, just like most homegrown vegetables, when they are ready to be picked, they are ready. To prevent the loss of your corn, it’s certainly good to know your vegetable and the signs it gives you to know when it’s ready to be harvested. Below I will share with you some things to look for when your corn is ready.
5 Steps to Check When Your Sweet Corn is Ready
- Check the Tassels (Ponytails)
You want to ensure the silk tassels, “ponytails,” as I call them, are completely brown and brittle. The tassels are there to help with pollination. The strands help to pollinate the kernel. These tassels play a very important role in knowing when the corn will be ready.
The first image is a corn ear that is not ready to be picked.
The next image is when it is ready to be picked (Tassel is no longer shiny and now shriveled). This photo was taken after a thunderstorm.
2. Check Daily
If the tassels have turned brown and brittle, this means corn will be ready any day now. You don’t want to wait too long after they turn brown. Otherwise, your corn will be no good to eat.
3. Bends from the Stock
Corn ears will also turn slightly away from the stalk when it’s ready.
4. Squeeze the Corn Ear
You can also squeeze the ear. If it’s hard, it’s not ready; if it gives a bit, then the kernels are full and plump. This means the corn very well may be ready. The tip of the ear (near the tassel)is also dull rather than pointed.
5. Poke a Kernel
If you’re still not sure, give it a poke. Pull down a few layers of husk until you see the kernels (about an inch), and either with your nail or knife, poke the kernel. If clear liquid comes out, it is not ready. If a milky white liquid comes out, then it’s ready to be picked. If no liquid comes out, then that ear is overripe and past maturity. This means your ear is no good. If you have chickens, this will make good chicken food.
Did you grow corn this year? If so, what is the best way you like to eat corn?
