Sweetcorn query

[Pootle]

Our sweetcorn is coming on a treat, but I'm confused and getting some conflicting advice so I thought I'd come to the experts!

The main stems have one or two additional stems growing from the bottom - the question is, should I remove them (and the plant then puts all their energy into the main stem) or leave them and possibly get more cobs? Both things have been suggested by folk on our allotments so what would you do?

Thanks!

[lottie dolly]

i am growing it for the first time this year,mine are the same,i gather from others that it's the norm,the local badger had some of mine{before i netted it up}so am just waiting to see what happens to the smaller side shoots myself,

[Matt.]

Another sweetcorn question. How high does a proper mature plant get? Mine look really healthy but seem to be stunted between 2' and 3' tall? I was expecting to see plants at 5'+. Is this right?

[lottie dolly]

have you any clues on the seed packet,my ones are f1 sweet nugget,with no clues as to how high,up to now they are averaging 4 ft,with tassels just sprouting on some,it's a game of wait and see,

[Two_Sheds]

The main stems have one or two additional stems growing from the bottom - the question is, should I remove them (and the plant then puts all their energy into the main stem) or leave them and possibly get more cobs?

some sweetcorn is "designed" to produce more than one good cob. Most only produce one good cob, and some smaller ones off the side.
Personally, I would remove the little ones, but that's just me.

[Two_Sheds]

How high does a proper mature plant get?

depends on the variety, and your conditions.
Wind stunts growth, so if you're on an exposed site, your plants will be smaller (and possibly horizontal too)

[Two_Sheds]

f1 sweet nugget

A maincrop super-sweet type, ready in early September. Plant at least 8m from other varieties. Gives long, well filled cobs with large kernels. Grows well in cool conditions.

[lottie dolly]

thank you two sheds,for the info on the f1sweet nugget,it is the only variety i have,but i will make a note of the 8m spacing between types for next year,good advice as usuall,thanks.

[Alison]

I've not had extra shoots like you describe so can't really comment. Re the height thing, got a few per plant last year despite the fact that they were only about 4' tall. Was expecting them to be taller too. Am growing a different variety this year and they're a bit short again but as they seem to give a good crop and I'm only growing them for OH anyway then I'm not really fussed.

[lzyjo]

I wouldn't remove the extra stalks, one would risk damaging the main stalk and roots. This year I grew an early hybrid, ready in 63 days it only gets 4' tall with small 18 cm ears. Some varieties grow to 8'+ with bigger ears, but they take longer, about 70-80+ days. The corn plants will noticeably stop growing taller when they form tassels.

[Pootle]

Thanks for all the info! I've decided to leave well alone and cross my fingers...although it'll be a large harvest if they all come good...sweetcorn fritters anyone?

[Cutecumber]

I get the extra stems on some of my plants. I tend to leave them in place but they don't produce cobs. I guess if the season was really long they might come to fruition, but sadly it's only England so I pull 'em all out once I've harvested from the main stem.

[PurpleBecca]

On average how tall are your corn at the moment?

Mine are about 16 inches (Grrrr) first time I tried them outside and I am a bit dissapointed - cant see them doing anything unless we get an Indian Summer.........

[louly]

I was looking on the net this morning re all this and they reckon that the research shows that cutting off the extras may actually reduce the main stem cob and certainly does not hinder it if left to grow. Sorry cant remember link now to the research papers.

[T-lady]

Don't forget to try eating at least one of the ears raw when they're ripe. They're gorgeous that way!

I'd leave any extra babies - I got loads of extra cobs that way last year.