When To Pick Sweetcorn

matt-in-leeds · « **on:** September 23, 2008, 09:48 »

Hi,

I've read mixed reports on when to pick sweetcorn. So far, we've been picking it and putting it straight on the plate. Obviously, this can't go on forever but I'm keen to leave it as long as I can.

The "tassles" on the ears went brown a couple of weeks ago. The plant itself is still very green and looks very healthy.

I've noticed most of the other plot holders have not picked theirs yet either but none of us seem to know exactly when it should be picked.

I have about another 25 - 30 plants to pick so I'd like to be sure.

Thanks!
Matt

compostqueen · « **Reply #1 on:** September 23, 2008, 09:52 »

I'm still picking too. I think it won't stand frost so you'll need to get them in before then. My trouble is that we get rats or mice on them and they can eat the lot over night. You can always freeze what you can't eat

Just keep your eye on them and if you notice any getting eaten get them picked and frozen. I think it must have been rats on mine as they were eaten on such a big scale

matt-in-leeds · « **Reply #2 on:** September 23, 2008, 10:13 »

Thanks.

I take it you just blanch it and freeze it immediately?

Is there any chance of it going rotten whilst on the plant?

gobs · « **Reply #3 on:** September 23, 2008, 10:35 »

No point leaving them on too long, Matt, not just for potential moulds, but they also will go past their best for eating, dry and tough.

paintedlady · « **Reply #4 on:** September 23, 2008, 14:00 »

Quote from: "matt-in-leeds"

I take it you just blanch it and freeze it immediately?

Blanch, cool first (!) then freeze immediately! (Otherwise you'll be needing a new freezer

)

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