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.

12 comments:

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

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

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

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  8. 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. 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. 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. 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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