Signs Your Sweet Corn Is Ready to Pick
First, how to tell your ears of corn is ready to harvest? The appearance of the cob may vary depending on the cultivar, but in general, look for these signs:
- The silk (or tassel) on each ear turns brown and starts to dry out.
- The corn kernels feel plump when lightly pressed.
- The husk is a bright green color.
- When you peel back the husk, the kernels are tightly packed and fully formed.
Sometimes, when to harvest corn can also be determined by when you planted it. The average growing time for sweet corn is about 60–100 days, depending on the cultivar and growing conditions. If the conditions were all right, you can usually expect to harvest within that time frame.
How to Check for Corn Ripeness
A simple fingernail test can also help determine when to harvest corn. Press your fingernail into a kernel on the ear. If the juices are milky and not watery, it’s ready to be picked. If you’re still unsure, feel free to taste test a few kernels before picking the whole ear. It won’t harm the plant to remove a few kernels for tasting.
When to Harvest Corn for the Best Taste
Sweet corn is typically harvested when it’s in the milk stage, when the kernels are still tender and full of liquid. This is when it’s at its sweetest and tastiest, and the optimal window to pick it may only include 1–2 days.
When to harvest corn if the ears aren’t all the same? About 70% of the ears in your patch should be at the milk stage of maturity when you start harvesting. If you wait too long, the kernels will enter the dough stage and become tough to chew.
How to Pick Corn
When it’s time to harvest corn, use a downward motion to pull the ear from the plant. It should come off easily when ready. Afterward, remove the husk and refrigerate or cook the corn immediately for the best taste and texture. Keep in mind that the sugars in sweet corn will convert to starch if left at room temperature for too long.
When to Pick Corn of Other Types – Popcorn and More
If you’re growing your own popcorn, the harvesting time will vary depending on when you planted it. In general, popcorn should be harvested when the stalks turn brown and dry out – usually at the end of the growing season when other crops have been harvested. The husks should be dry, and the kernels should be hard.
For dent corn, it’s time to harvest when the husks turn brown and dry out. The kernels will also have a dent at the top when fully mature and ready for harvest. Finally, flour corn should be picked on a dry day before the first fall frost. The kernels themselves should be completely dry.
When to Harvest Corn Depending on Your Climate
In general, when to harvest corn will depend on when it’s planted and when the signs of maturity appear. However, your climate may also play a role. If it’s a cooler, shorter growing season, the corn may take longer to mature. Likewise, a warm and long growing season can cause it to mature faster and require earlier harvesting.
Pay attention to the signs of maturity and when it’s expected to be ready, and adjust as needed based on your climate. With these tips, you’ll be able to harvest sweet and delicious corn straight from the garden.
What If You Pick Corn Too Early?
If you accidentally pick corn too early, the kernels may not be fully formed and it won’t taste as sweet. It may have no flavor at all or be tough to chew. However, it’s still safe to eat and can be cooked and eaten as normal. The best course of action is to wait for the corn to fully mature before harvesting in the future.
How to Store Corn
Freshly picked sweet corn should be refrigerated, either in the husk or shucked. It will last for about 1 week when stored properly. Alternatively, you can freeze or can it for longer storage. If you have too much corn to store, consider giving some to friends or preserving it in other ways, such as making corn relish.
To avoid an overabundance of corn in your garden, consider planting smaller patches more frequently throughout the growing season. This way, you can enjoy a steady supply of sweet corn without having too much at once. Planting in rounds every 2 weeks or so can ensure a continuous harvest instead of a one-time big batch.
How to Ensure a Bountiful Harvest
To make sure your corn patch is healthy and productive, provide it with full sun and fertile soil. Water regularly, especially when the ears start to form, and weed to prevent competition for resources. When planting, consider using a block or square pattern instead of rows to improve pollination and overall production. With proper care, your corn patch will provide a bountiful harvest when the time comes.
Enjoy Picking Fresh Corn From Your Garden!
Harvesting sweet corn is a delicate balance, but it’s well worth the wait when you bite into that freshly picked ear of sweet and juicy corn. Have patience when it comes to determining when to harvest corn, and enjoy the fruits (or in this case, the ears) of your labor.
Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to harvesting corn? Share them in the comments below. And if you’re interested in other aspects of growing corn, check out our other guides for gardeners! We wish you a bountiful harvest.
Similar Posts:
- When to Plant Corn – How to Grow and Harvest Sweet Corn
- How to Grow Corn? Plant Corn in Your Home Garden With These Tips
- How Far Apart to Plant Corn? The Right Spacing for Sweet Corn
- When Is Broccoli Ready to Harvest? – When to Pick Broccoli
- When Is an Eggplant Ready to Pick? Tips for Harvesting Eggplants
