Description

Balinese’ sweet corn is an heirloom to 2 metres. Two medium sized cobs per plant. Pale yellow kernels.Always plant corn in blocks not rows – It is wind-pollinated. Plants close to each other in every direction have more chance of being properly pollinated. Better still, hand-pollinate each plant. Every tassel needs to be pollinated for a kernel to develop.Because corn and maize are wind-pollinated, do not grow two (or more) different varieties close to each other of wanting to collect ‘pure’ seed. Start each variety at different times if they must be close together.To harvest sweet-corn for eating fresh, carefully peel back the leaves which cover the cob and press your thumbnail into one kernel. If a white milky substance comes from the kernel, the cob is ready to harvest. Eat within 24 hours as cobs deteriorate quickly.To harvest corn/maize for seed, let the cob dry out completely on the plant. A thumbnail pressed into a cornel should not leave any mark if the cob is properly dried.Whether used for grinding, popping or seed-saving, cobs must remain on the plant until completely dry; then the husks are removed and the cobs air-dried for a further two weeks.