Sweetcorn Bolting

Hi, I'm posting after a long lurk.  I garden in South Cambridgeshire.

Have had some illness over the last two years; my plot went to the dogs last year, and to some extent this.

Managed to get some sweetcorn in late at the end of June (Marshalls' Honeydew Improved) and have watered consistently.  Chitted and grown on the Harrison way.  The plants are growing fine generally, and are about at the stage when they would normally be beginning to form cobs on sideshoots.  However, none of them are, but instead the flowers are appearing early, and they appear to be bolting.  I assume this is to do with the extreme heat we have been experiencing, though the late planting may also be a factor.  Got a reasonable crop of "Swift" last year, which was about the only summer crop I managed then.

Is there anything I can do to stimulate cob formation but hold the flowers back?  Suspect not much at this stage, but would appreciate any comments.  God willing, they will be planted out on time next year, weather permitting.  Happily, my runner and French beans and tomatoes are going away splendidly and the butternut squash plants have gone crazy, with plenty of good sized fruit, but I will miss my sweetcorn unless you can help!

With many thanks for any suggestions.

JJDigger

Mine often do the same, and just as you're panicking about the appearance of silks and cobs they suddenly appear almost overnight.   They will sort themselves out, don't worry.

Thank you jayg, jaydig and goosegirl.

Indeed, a few silks have started to appear in the last few days since I posted - must have been something you said - but I recall that I failed to put any sulphate of ammonia down as recommended by John, and will add some to see if this stimulates the cob formation.

Hoping for a better organised season next year after a good clearout this autumn.