Sweet corn...how can I ensure I get a full cob?

[Samuel1988]

Evening all,

First time growing sweet corn and my first batch in the polytunnel have started to pollinate themselves and I was wondering what can I do to maximise 100% pollination to get a full cob?

Many thanks,

Samuel

[AllInContainers]

Give them a bit of a rattle, so the pollen falls from the top. The tricky bit is NOT HARVESTING them till you have a full cob. I picked most of mine a little early last year and they were a bit underdeveloped at one end

[Greenleaves]

Good polination is the key, as you cant rely on the wind being in a PT, give the tassles a tap every night.

[judy2shoes]

Flip jax! Mine arent as far on as that but they are huge. I'm worrying that they aren't going to get tassles at all! Last year was my first time and they were so easy and fab.

[Bill HH]

Its swings and roundabouts, although there is no wind in the poly it also means the pollen falls down onto the cobs rather than blowing away. If you ever watched "cool hand Luke" you will be familiar with the term "shaking the bush boss" Cheking to see if they are ready is a case of waiting till the beard is brown and then carefully peeling back the outer covering to see if the cob is full. One of the most satisfying plants to grow I think.

[Jeanied]

You can hand pollinate by stroking the main flower and then the silks if needs be.