Sweetcorn

[Vik]

Anyone know why pollytunnel grown sweetcorn is growing 7 - 8 feet tall but with no cobs forming?

 

Thanks

 

Vic

[Ghostrider]

Wild guess, possibly lack of pollenation??

[sharalee99]

Yep, think that is correct. I have sweetcorn in the polytunnel and its doing well. Have you got the tassel like stalks coming out of the top? They have to fall off on to the thread like silks that are below to pollenate. It is a slow process though.

Good luck!

[Vik]

They are massive but no sign of any threads or anything other than big healthy leaves all the way up?

 

Thanks anyway

[shetlandpeat]

When we grew them it was done in blocks, we found a line of them do not work. That way they pollenate naturally.

[daveh]

^^

I agree with that. Sweetcorn should always be sown in blocks to aid pollination. If you shake the plants, the "dust" falling onto the threadsthen be pollinated. Try also to ensure that the temperature is not excessively high in the tunnel.

[Vik]

Thanks everyone - still no wiser as they are grown in a block but there isn't anything with pollen on just 6 - 8 feet of healthy stalks & leaves. It does get hot but both ends open & sweetcorn last year under simmilar conditions was fine???

[daveh]

I wonder if this is just the general inconsistency of growing things in the polytunnels. I grew some terrific courgettes last year but most of them are rotting very quickly this year yet I have done exactly the same thing but grown them in a different spot this season. I will just have to shrug my shoulders and try again next year.

[Vik]

That's my current thinking and French beans are everywhere this year

[momo]

Its a bit late for this year but if it happens again next year I would guess its to much nitrogen feed. Try giving them a watering with tomato food to encourage 'flowering'. Giving the plants a wee shake as you are passing once you have got them flowering also a good idea. I do it with my tomatoes and it definately helps the plants set more fruit.