Monday, July 18, 2011

Today's Tidbit - Flames of Corn Silk

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I'm growing a variety of sweet corn called 'Ruby Queen' this year. As the silks grow, they produce this extraordinary color. Hopefully the kernels will look just as interesting.

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I've been shaking the stalks to promote pollination. In the morning light, you can see millions of grains of pollen descend upon the silks as you do this. All the while the bees are buzzing above. It's quite a sight.
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12 comments:

  1. Daphne GouldJuly 18, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    I've been shaking my stalks too in the morning. And my silks are a pretty red too, but not so bright. My corn is just your normal color corn.

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  2. Michelle @ Give a Girl a FigJuly 18, 2011 at 11:20 AM

    Wow...these are so beautiful! I have never grown corn...don't feel I have enough room (especially with this dang pecan tree casting WAY too much shade in the garden area!). You are so adventurous in the varieties you choose...love that!

    :)

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  3. ErinJuly 18, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    Very pretty, I can't wait to see what the ears look like!

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  4. Mrs.PicklesJuly 18, 2011 at 2:00 PM

    I had no idead you were suppose to or could shake the stalks for pollination....learn something new every day. thanks :)

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  5. CarolJuly 18, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    I've grown that and the corn is red and oh so sweet. It tends to lose it's color if you boil it but if you cook it in the microwave in the husk it stays the pretty red :)

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  6. ThomasJuly 18, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    Carol, good to know. Thanks! I'll see if grilling it will also keep it red.

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  7. Cathy and SteveJuly 18, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    It'll be fascinating to see the corn once you harvest it!

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  8. AlanJuly 18, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    I wonder if the Ruby Queen variety would grow in Utah?
    Sounds like one I would like to try.
    Your garden looks to be producing great.
    We had so much rain this year that our garden is about a month late.
    Finally got my first tomato (cherry) today...

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  9. KrisJuly 18, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    Those silks look really cool, I can't wait to see what the ears look like. I thump my stalks too to encourage pollination as well. Good luck to you.

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  10. SouthCoast GuyJuly 18, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    I've never grown corn before, I almost feel obligated to because my wife grew up in Iowa, but I keep hearing about how much room it takes up and that it will attract racoons so I haven't...have you had any of those issues?

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  11. UnknownJuly 18, 2011 at 9:54 PM

    Very pretty color. I can't wait to see what the ears look like. I have never grown corn but am intrigued.

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  12. kelliJuly 18, 2011 at 10:25 PM

    gorgeous.

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