[Growing4mykids]

Have just noticed 2 of my s/corn seems to have what looks like a second stem growing from the base of the plant, is this o.k to be left? Thanks 

[Beetroot queen]

I am sure aomeone on here said its fine, but one of our old boys on the plot goes mad if he sees people leaving second stalks. He gave me a huge lecture on how to cut them off but didnt tell me why 

[JayG]

They are called "tillers" and in an exceptionally good  year may produce additional cobs.

I always leave them as I reason they add to the vigour of the whole plant even if they don't actually manage to produce anything.

It probably doesn't matter that much one way or the other though, because the summer weather is what mainly determines how good the crop will be (and it's looking good so far so long as you keep them well watered.)

[Growing4mykids]

Cool, thank you. May experiment with them, take one off one of the plants and leave the other and see what happens 

[maxie]

I just leave them on myself,they dont seem to take any harm,after all you dont see the farmers doing full fields of them do you?

[Salmo]

Apparently the tillers contribute to the main plant at first but when they start to initiate flowers they look after themselves and compete with the main plant for water and nutrients.

I remove them as they seldom produce a worthwhile cob.

[Kajazy]

I got several of these last year, and got good cobs from them too - but I make sure to feed the plants with plenty of pelleted chicken manure.