The best test is to do a quick nail squeeze of one of the kernels, once the tassels are turning brown and you can feel the cobs.
A careful tear back of a small part of the outer leaves is all that's required.
If its milky its ripe, clear it is not.
I've grown Golden Bantam for many years and last few years saved my own seed.
Like them as they produce three and four cobs per plant and for me have been a very reliable cropper.
This year I grew a new variety alongside my Golden Bantam, called Picasso.
One of those varieties that you can grow alongside other varieties with no quality or pollination issues.
The Picasso are growing well and have harvested a few plants so far and I'm pleased that they are producing three cobs per plant.
The plant and leaves is a mix of green and red and the corn is bicoloured, so white and yellow.
Did the nail test to determine they were ripe (seeing some white) and all were.
The taste was sweet and delicious.
My Golden Bantam did as well as ever, so very happy there, with four cobs per plants, so been a success trying a different crop alongside and will continue doing that next year with these two.
I did have some Golden Bantam on another part of my plot, just in case and to save true seed going forwards.
I always start off my plants from seed and give a batch to my Dad. I've done the same with him, doing the two varieties and he is having the same success.
A pic of the Picasso picked showing the red/green leaves and a closeup of the bicolour corn itself;