[sheridal]

Hi there, I have another sweetcorn question.

I have 3 different varieties of sweetcorn that are just coming up. Is it ok to plant them in 3 blocks in the same area. I am planning on growing them in a 12' x 12' plot, but I am sure that I read somewhere if you get cross pollination that this affects the product??

Would this be a problem this year, or only if I save the corn to plant next year.

Thanks in advance

[gawk]

My understanding is that this years crop will be fine but you will have problems if you save the corn to plant next year.

[DD.]

Someone posted a brilliant explantion as to why you should not let them cross pollinate and I can't find it!

The essence of the matter is that it's the seed of the plant that is affected by cross pollination and as it's the seed you're eating, the flavour could well be affected. It's why pollinated greenhouse cucumbers can taste bitter - it's not the flesh, but the seed.

A pumpkin cross pollinating with a marrow for instance won't matter in the harvest year, as you only eat the flesh. It's the seed that are the problem next year.

[Kristen]

This link perhaps?

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=34596.msg414511#msg414511

[DD.]

The very same!

[gawk]

This link perhaps?

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=34596.msg414511#msg414511

Very interesting post, and makes perfect sense.