The ears on my corn are small and turning red - Ask Extension
I've red its because they have to much sugar in them, basically. How do I fix the soil so this doesn't happen next year. And do I let them continue ...
Knowledgebase
The ears on my corn are small and turning red #879244
Asked July 29, 2024, 1:13 PM EDT
I've red its because they have to much sugar in them, basically. How do I fix the soil so this doesn't happen next year. And do I let them continue to grow, would they be safe to eat/freeze?
Polk County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Amy,
Thank you for contacting us about the red ears of corn that you have produced. Please see the attached photos. If the ears are yellow with pink or red sections near the tip, it may be a mold disease. If the ears have some red streaking between the kernels, it could be a condition called Kernel Red Streak (KRS) which sometimes occurs in commercial corn raised for the snack food industry. It is not harmful, but also not likely in a home garden.
If the cobs are entirely red, you may have somehow planted a red corn variety. Heirloom seeds might produce anomalies related to the much older "Indian corn" that preceded hybrids.
Several types of specialty red corn are actually on the market (see https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Red_Corn_2852.php). The ears are typically smaller than normal and depending on the type, it may be good for eating fresh or, conversely, may be better as chicken feed. Either way, there is no reason to destroy the plant unless you are cramped for space.
The National Park Service has posted some fun trivia about red corn:
Thank you for contacting us about the red ears of corn that you have produced. Please see the attached photos. If the ears are yellow with pink or red sections near the tip, it may be a mold disease. If the ears have some red streaking between the kernels, it could be a condition called Kernel Red Streak (KRS) which sometimes occurs in commercial corn raised for the snack food industry. It is not harmful, but also not likely in a home garden.
If the cobs are entirely red, you may have somehow planted a red corn variety. Heirloom seeds might produce anomalies related to the much older "Indian corn" that preceded hybrids.
Several types of specialty red corn are actually on the market (see https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Red_Corn_2852.php). The ears are typically smaller than normal and depending on the type, it may be good for eating fresh or, conversely, may be better as chicken feed. Either way, there is no reason to destroy the plant unless you are cramped for space.
The National Park Service has posted some fun trivia about red corn:
In some areas local tradition held that finding a red ear of corn was good luck, deserving of a prize. Red ears of corn were an infrequent discovery, caused by an imbalance of sugar in the plant. The rarity of these red ears inspired local folklore. Some early accounts of husking frolics, held that the individual who found a red ear received a kiss as a reward.I hope this information is helpful. If you have additional questions or information, please feel free to write again.
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/husking-parties-in-concord-massachusetts.htm#:~:text=Red%20ears%20of%20corn%20were,a%20kiss%20as%20a%20reward.
Dear Amy,
Here is some additional information about "red corn".
https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2018/red-corn-q-a
I can't say for sure if weather is the cause of your red corn, but it's something you may consider.
Here is some additional information about "red corn".
https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2018/red-corn-q-a
I can't say for sure if weather is the cause of your red corn, but it's something you may consider.
