[andyf75]

Am I right in thinking its when the tassles turn brown? Mine have already done so! I planted the seeds too early and they were hanging around in pots and half a metre tall before they were planted out. They are now probably around a metre high and some cobs look decent others small. 

should I peel back and check a cob or wait and let them grow?

[DD.]

I assume you're referring to the silks, (the fine threads on the end of the cobs), rather that the tassles, (the spike that carries the pollen at the top of the plant).

If they're going brown, the cob will not grow any more, but the kernels may not be quite ripe yet. The only way really to be sure is to gently peel some of the leaves back. You can usually tell by looking, but you can stick your fingernail into one and if oozes  milky fluid, then it's ready.

[JayG]

Gosh! That's early! 

Whatever size they are if they are left too long they become tough and starchy - usual test is to stick a thumbnail into a seed in the cob (preferably in the middle of it as a good "average" sample - pull or cut a small slit in the sheath to get to them.)

Clear juice means not ready yet, milky (like thin cream) just right, and very thick (or no) juice too late. The silks will be brown, but it's not easy to remember how long each one has been brown for, so the above test is the safest way of checking.

Hope they are good! 

[JayG]

Oops - too slow again! 

[andyf75]

yeah I mean the silks...

hmm they definately turned brown within the last week so will have a look...

[seaside]

Wow, that is early !
My first batch were germinated on 12 May and planted out on 26 May and are now a metre tall and looking well pleased with themselves, but no sign of silks and males yet. I wouldn't expect that for at least another week or two despite this lubberly weather.
Please let us know how the cobs turn out.

[andyf75]

OK, I tried one and wasted it  ...nowhere near ready hadn't filled out yet and still pale

But the silks have been brown for at least a week. I fed them again last night so I guess I'll give them another 2 weeks or so in the sunshine and heat and see whether they are ready.

Guess its just been an odd year weather-wise and I know I made a mistake by planting them too early and they were probably a bit pot-bound causing them to flower too soon

[gavinjconway]

Probably need more than another 2 weeks...

[DD.]

The silks don't just have to have gone brown, they practically shrivel up to inside the cob when ready.

[Beetroot queen]

Mine took an age to be ready after the silks turned brown, well worth the wait though.

I agree with DD 

[Jackypam]

I think I may have to remember these instructions for a long time. My first ever sweetcorn crop are all of 10 inches tall...

[andyf75]

OK thanks for the advice. I've read in several places that the cobs are ready around 2 weeks after the silks turn brown and if you leave it longer the corn is ruined. Should have known it couldn't be ready really....