OSU Extension: Many corn fields reach knee high by the 4th of July
Known in the botanical world by its scientific name, Zea mays, corn comes in a multitude of varieties. A favorite of many is sweet corn, the satisfying, crisp summer treat that even managed to get a festival named after it. Most of us have memories of shucking corn in preparation for dinnertime, painstakingly removing hundreds of pesky silks. What purpose do these threads serve, anyway? It turns out, a pretty important one! Let's take moment to examine 'the birds and the bees' of this valuable plant.
Corn is typically planted in large monocultures. Each year in July, the careful observer will notice the emergence of yellow plumes reaching for the sky from the very top of the plant. Known to most as corn tasseling, these golden strands mark the commencement of corn reproduction. Each tassel houses a plethora of pollen grains, between 14 million and 18 million, resembling a fine yellow powder that is easily dispersed by the wind. These grains contain the male corn genes, half of what is needed for a new corn kernel.
Meanwhile, a few feet below await the female components needed for procreation. Not yet developed into the kernel-lined ears we are familiar with, hundreds of minuscule flowers are aligned on small, sheathed cobs, jutting upward toward their male counterparts. Each of these tiny female flowers have the ability to develop into a kernel of corn… but only if a grain of pollen can find its way to it!
The process is further complicated by the fact that these female flowers and their cobs are enveloped by a husk and completely sheltered from the world, thus not allowing the pollen to make direct contact. Instead, each female flower sends out a single, sticky strand of silk with the purpose of securing a floating grain of corn pollen, much the same as casting a fishing line from the bank of a pond. It is no coincidence that these silky strands emerge on the very same day the tassel is set to release its powdery pollen.
The story only gets stranger when a grain of pollen aligns with the tip of a strand of silk. Once recognized, it tunnels its way down through the thread to finally unite and fertilize the awaiting female flower. This entire process can take several hours to complete, and upon achievement the silky threads almost immediately begin to dry up. The small, underdeveloped kernels you often find towards the end of an ear of corn are the result of flowers that were unsuccessful in engaging male suitors to venture down their tubes of silk, thus are not successfully pollinated.
So, the next time you smell that wondrously bright, musky odor emerging from a neighboring sweet corn field, you'll know that love is, indeed, in the air.
Source: Carrie Brown, Extension Educator, OSU Extension-Fairfield County
Did you know the Fairfield County Agricultural Society was formed in 1850 with the purpose of the improvement of agricultural crops with cash premiums being paid for the best livestock, grain, vegetables and other Farm Products. For example, in 1930, a single ear entry of Country Gentlemen Sweet Corn was awarded $1.50 premium for first place and 75 cents for second place. Golden Bantam Sweet Corn was also awarded $1.50 for first place and 75 cents for second place. Be sure to mark your calendar now for the kick-off of the 175th Fairfield County Fair slated for Sunday, October 5, 2025, and don't forget to check out the ever-popular grain and crop displays located in the Art Hall!
Attention home canners… Dial gauge pressure canners should be tested annually to ensure accuracy and safety in food preservation. Testing ensures the canner reaches the correct pressure and temperature for safe food preservation. Pressure canners with weighted gauges do not need to be tested. You only need to bring the pressure canner lid with dial gauge to be tested. Canning factsheets are available upon request. Testing is free and takes less than 5 minutes to complete.
Extension Educator, Shannon Carter, will be testing dial gauges from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 12 at the Keller Farmers' Market located on West Chestnut Street between Broad Street and Columbus Street. You may also schedule an appointment by calling the Extension office at 740-653-5419.
Let's Preserve Series
Are you planning to preserve summer produce? Join us for any or all of the following preserving programs presented by Shannon Carter, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator and Sandy Bohl, Instructor, with Ohio State University Extension Fairfield County. Classes will be offered in person at Keller Market House and Pickerington and Baltimore libraries. There is no cost for attendance, but registration is requested to reserve your space.
Keller Market House, 134 S. Columbus St.
Freezing: Thursday, July 10, 6 to 7 p.m.
Dehydrating: Thursday, August 14, 6 to 7 p.m.
Registration: info@kellermarkethouse.org
Pickerington Library, 201 Opportunity Way
Freezing: Tuesday, July 8, 6 to 7 p.m.
Dehydrating: Tuesday, July 22, 6 to 7 p.m.
Canning Basics (water bath/pressure): Tuesday, August 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Registration: pickeringtonlibrary.libnet.info/events
Baltimore Branch Library, 205 E Market St
Canning Basics (water bath/pressure): Thursday, August 14, 10:30 am to 12 p.m
Registration: fcdlibrary.libnet.info/events?r
Questions: contact Shannon Carter, carter.413@osu.edu or 740-653-5419
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Many corn fields reach knee high by the 4th of July
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