I am growing sweet corn,Am I supposed to take the tassles off the tops?
Question:If so,why?
Answers:
No, not while they are still growing. The tassels (or silks) are connected to each kernel of corn on the cob. It helps them grow and get the nutrients they need. They are also a good indicator of when your corn is ready to pick. (They will turn dark almost all the way down into th e husks)
After you pick them, then yes, of course, you take them off. They aren't good to eat. LOL.
not till the,ve gone a darker brown and you,ve picked them
Absolutely not. The tassels help pollinate the plants so the corn will grow.
If the tassles are pale colored-your corn is NOT ready to pick and will be immature, kernals not filled out.
Once you see the tassle tips shriveled and brown-it is ready. Once picked, you can clip these off if you want-but is not necessary.
Stores do this only for appearance.
No. The reason to tassel corn is for controlled breeding of seed crops for replanting next year. It's called Hybridizing. If your just eating your corn you can plant it with any other variety of corn without incident but if you were to save any for planting next season you'd be in for quite a shock. It would be a hybrid cross of itself and whatever variety pollinated it. That's why it's not a good idea to save seeds of any garden crop unless you can be sure no two varieties or close relatives are in the area. (eg. squash, gourds, meons, and/or cucumbers can and will cross and usually produce strange or enidible fruit.) Try it some time and see what I mean. That's also how they create new varieties but under careful control.
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