How To Harvest Corn (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow A Quick Guide to Corn Harvesting PDF download Download Article Learn when and how to pick sweet and popcorn corn for freezing or canning Co-authored by Don Tipping

Last Updated: October 7, 2024 Approved

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  • Harvesting Corn
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  • Harvesting Flint Corn or Popcorn
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  • Expert Interview
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This article was co-authored by Don Tipping. Don Tipping is an Organic Farmer based in Williams, Oregon. With almost 30 years of full-time experience with organic farming, Don owns and operates a mail-order seed company, Siskiyou Seeds, which is a bio-regional seed hub. He specializes in growing crops, including vegetables, flowers, medicinal and culinary herbs, and seed crops. Don is a member of the Organic Seed Alliance and has a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) from the University of California, Davis. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 108,346 times.

After you've planted and grown corn in your garden, the next step is harvesting. Harvesting corn is quick and simple after you've noticed its tassels turn brown and corn kernels mature. Pick and husk your corn using the proper technique, then store your corn by freezing, canning, or drying it. Once you've harvested your corn, you'll have plenty to use for baking or decoration!

Things You Should Know

  • To harvest corn, first, hold the ear tightly.
  • Then, pull the ear down hard while twisting so that the husk comes off of the stalk.
  • Use your fingers to pull away any remaining pieces of the husk.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Harvesting Corn

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  1. Step 1 Harvest sweet corn 60-80 days after planting it. 1 Harvest sweet corn 60-80 days after planting it. On average, sweet corn takes 60-80 days to mature. Make a note on your calendar to check for harvesting signs at around 60 days after planting.[1]
    • Corn harvests quickest in hot weather, especially temperatures over 90 °F (32 °C).[2]
  2. Step 2 Harvest the corn when the tassels turn brown. 2 Harvest the corn when the tassels turn brown. The corn tassel is the pollen-releasing stem on the tops of corn plants. As your corn matures, its tassels should turn from green to brown. Avoid harvesting the corn until the tassels' green color has disappeared completely.[3] [4]
    • The tassels should turn brown about 3 weeks after the plant flowers.[5]
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  3. Step 3 Squeeze sweet corn kernels to check for a milky fluid. 3 Squeeze sweet corn kernels to check for a milky fluid. Pull back the corn silk and squeeze a kernel between your finger and thumb. If the kernel releases a milky fluid, your plant is ready for harvest.[6] [7]
    • If your corn kernels are not mature, they will be firm and won't release a milky fluid. If that's the case, smooth the silk and husk back over unripe kernels. Your corn will still mature without any problems.[8] [9]
  4. Step 4 Twist each corn ear off of its stalk. 4 Twist each corn ear off of its stalk.[10] Hold the stalk in your non-dominant hand to steady it while you harvest. With your dominant hand, grab a corn ear and twist it to the side. Pull the ear down and yank hard, then put your freshly-picked corn in a bucket or pile.[11]
    • Pulling on the cornstalk without twisting can kill the plant.[12]
  5. Step 5 Prepare sweet corn quickly to prevent the flavor from deteriorating. 5 Prepare sweet corn quickly to prevent the flavor from deteriorating. When left in room-temperature conditions for 24 hours, sweet corn loses 50% of its sugar. Store or prepare sweet corn the same day that you pick it for a fresher taste.[13]
    • You can store sweet corn in the fridge for 2-4 days by wrapping unopened husks in damp paper towels.[14]
  6. Step 6 Remove 6 Remove the corn husk and silk. Pull on the husk leaves one at a time until you have completely exposed the small silky hairs covering the kernels. Pick off the silk one hair at a time or use an old toothbrush to rub them off.[15]
    • Microwaving the corn can make it easier to husk. Set the microwave power to high and heat the unhusked corn for 2 minutes.
    • Put the silk and husks in a large container or trash bag to make cleanup easier.
  7. Step 7 Freeze 7 Freeze sweet corn to preserve it for 6-8 months. Blanch your corn in boiling water, then put your corn cobs in an airtight container and store it in the freezer. Freeze your corn for up to 6-8 months to have fresh-tasting corn no matter the season.[16]
    • You can also cut the kernels off of the cob with a knife before freezing for compact storage.
  8. Step 8 Can 8 Can sweet corn to preserve it for up to 5 years. If you don't plan on cooking your corn 2-4 days after harvesting, blanch your corn and remove the kernels with a sharp knife. Store the kernels in a jar and place them in a pressure canner to seal the jar.[17]
    • Canned corn tends to last longer than frozen corn at around 3-5 years.[18]
  9. Step 9 Cook sweet corn as a side dish if you want to eat it right away. 9 Cook sweet corn as a side dish if you want to eat it right away. Sweet corn makes a healthy, delicious side for most meals. You can cook fresh or preserved corn by boiling, microwaving, baking, grilling, or steaming it.[19]
    • If you do not want to store your sweet corn, cook it immediately after harvesting.[20]
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Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Harvesting Flint Corn or Popcorn

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  1. Step 1 Plan to harvest flint corn 80-100 days after planting it. 1 Plan to harvest flint corn 80-100 days after planting it. Unlike sweet corn, flint corn takes between 80-100 days to harvest. After 80 days have passed since planting, check your flint corn every day for signs of maturity.[21]
    • Corn harvests faster in temperatures over 90 °F (32 °C). If you live in a warm climate, your flint corn will mature closer to 80 days.[22]
  2. Step 2 Check the corn tassels for a brown color. 2 Check the corn tassels for a brown color. Corn tassels are the pollen-releasing stems on the tops of the plant. As your corn matures, its tassels should change colors from green to brown. Wait until tassels' green color has disappeared completely to harvest your corn.[23]
    • Corn tassels, on average, turn brown around 3 weeks after the plant flowers.[24]
  3. Step 3 Wait until flint corn kernels are firm. 3 Wait until flint corn kernels are firm. Flint corn and popcorn kernels should be dry and firm. Press on a corn kernel between your finger and thumb and, if it feels hardened, pick it as long as the tassels are brown and 80 days have passed since planting.[25]
    • If the corn kernels aren't quite matured, smooth the silk and husk back over.[26]
  4. Step 4 Pull the corn from its stalk. 4 Pull the corn from its stalk. Hold the stalk in your non-dominant hand to steady it and, with your dominant hand, twist the ear once to the side. Pull the ear downward and yank it off of the stalk, placing your freshly-picked corn in a bucket or pile.[27]
    • Pulling on the cornstalk without twisting can kill the plant.[28]
  5. Step 5 Hang flint and popcorn cobs up to dry for 2-3 weeks. 5 Hang flint and popcorn cobs up to dry for 2-3 weeks. Find an empty indoor space, like a garage or storage shed, to store your corn. Tie a length of twine around each corn cob and hang them from the ceiling or rafters. Let them hang for about 2-3 weeks, then transfer them to a dry container like a bucket or a storage bin.[29]
  6. Step 6 Grind flint corn or use it as livestock feed. 6 Grind flint corn or use it as livestock feed. If you have a corn mill or a high-powered blender, you can use your flint corn for cornmeal. Otherwise, flint corn can make a cheap feed for livestock.[30]
    • Cornmeal is a healthy, filling flour that you can use for cornbread, polenta, tamales, and other dishes.[31]
    • You can also use flint corn as an autumn decoration.
  7. Step 7 Rub off popcorn kernels and store them. 7 Rub off popcorn kernels and store them. After drying your popcorn cob, pull the kernels off with your hand or cut them off with a knife. Store them in a dry, airtight container until you're ready to cook with them.[32]
    • Although popcorn is a type of flint corn, it is the only corn variety that pops when you heat it. Do not try making popcorn from other varieties.
  8. Step 8 Heat popcorn kernels... 8 Heat popcorn kernels to cook them. Depending on your preferences, you can microwave popcorn or heat it over a stove top. Keep the kernels under constant heat until they pop into light, fluffy popped corn.
  9. Step 9 Grind popcorn into cornmeal as an alternative to popping. 9 Grind popcorn into cornmeal as an alternative to popping. Like other flint corn varieties, you can grind popcorn into corn meal. If you want to use popcorn for baking, grind it using a high-powered blender or a corn mill.
    • You can also use popcorn as livestock feed, if preferred.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question How do I store popcorn? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Unpopped popcorn kernels are best stored in an airtight container, such as a sealed plastic bag or a glass jar with lid. Once you've opened the commercial packaging, it's a good idea to transfer unused popcorn kernels to the glass or plastic airtight storage container. Store such popcorn kernels in a cool, dry place. Once popped, popcorn can be stored in an airtight container or in the freezer but you'll find more instructions for freshly popped popcorn in the wikiHow: How to Keep Popcorn Fresh. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question Is there a best time of day to harvest corn? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer The best time to harvest corn is right before you're about to use it, as that allows it to be at its best and sweetest. Some claim corn is best picked in the early morning but since few people will be cooking and eating it then, it's probably best to harvest just before use. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question Is there any reason to cut the top off the corn stalk after the corn starts growing? Alex Glover Alex Glover Community Answer No. The only trimming you want to do is to pull smaller stalks that are within about six inches of bigger ones. Trimming the top risks losing the tassel (the male part of the plant) and then you'll have a tough time getting corn. Corn has to cross-pollinate. That's why you'll get very little corn if you only plant one row. It generally takes four or more rows to get a good harvest, or you can plant them in unorganized groups of six or more plants. The wind, bees, and other insects will carry the pollen from the tassel to the silk (the female part). The silk, which is between the husk and the ear of corn, is actually the flower. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • Your corn plants may not mature all at once. Check each plant individually and harvest them as they mature.[33] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Each corn stalk should provide 1-2 ears of corn, depending on the variety and size of the plant.[34] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If you liked how your harvest turned out, keep 10% of your seeds for next year's planting season. Pick the seeds from an ear of corn and store them in an airtight bag. Keep the bag in a dark, dry storage area until next planting season. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about gardening, check out our in-depth interview with Don Tipping.

References

  1. ↑ https://harvesttotable.com/how_to_grow_sweet_corn/
  2. ↑ https://www.gardeningblog.net/how-to-grow/corn/
  3. ↑ Don Tipping. Organic Farmer. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://morningchores.com/growing-corn/
  5. ↑ https://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/2012/09/06/how-grow-sweet-corn
  6. ↑ Don Tipping. Organic Farmer. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://harvesttotable.com/how_to_grow_sweet_corn/
  8. ↑ Don Tipping. Organic Farmer. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://harvesttotable.com/how_to_grow_sweet_corn/
More References (25)
  1. ↑ Don Tipping. Organic Farmer. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://morningchores.com/growing-corn/
  3. ↑ https://www.gardeningblog.net/how-to-grow/corn/
  4. ↑ https://www.southernexposure.com/corn-growing-guide-ezp-52.html
  5. ↑ https://harvesttotable.com/how_to_grow_sweet_corn/
  6. ↑ https://morningchores.com/growing-corn/
  7. ↑ https://www.eatbydate.com/vegetables/fresh-vegetables/corn/
  8. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/plant/corn
  9. ↑ https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/16966
  10. ↑ https://www2.kenyon.edu/projects/farmschool/food/corntyp.htm
  11. ↑ https://msue.anr.msu.edu/uploads/files/corn.pdf
  12. ↑ https://harvesttotable.com/how_to_grow_sweet_corn/
  13. ↑ https://www.gardeningblog.net/how-to-grow/corn/
  14. ↑ https://morningchores.com/growing-corn/
  15. ↑ https://www.sbs.com.au/food/article/2012/09/06/how-grow-sweet-corn
  16. ↑ https://www.thriftyfun.com/Growing-Indian-Corn.html
  17. ↑ https://harvesttotable.com/how_to_grow_sweet_corn/
  18. ↑ https://morningchores.com/growing-corn/
  19. ↑ https://www.gardeningblog.net/how-to-grow/corn/
  20. ↑ https://www.thriftyfun.com/Growing-Indian-Corn.html
  21. ↑ https://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/grind-grain-corn-zmaz04amzsel
  22. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/topics/cornmeal
  23. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/plant/corn
  24. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/plant/corn
  25. ↑ https://harvesttotable.com/how_to_grow_sweet_corn/

About This Article

Don Tipping Co-authored by: Don Tipping Organic Farmer This article was co-authored by Don Tipping. Don Tipping is an Organic Farmer based in Williams, Oregon. With almost 30 years of full-time experience with organic farming, Don owns and operates a mail-order seed company, Siskiyou Seeds, which is a bio-regional seed hub. He specializes in growing crops, including vegetables, flowers, medicinal and culinary herbs, and seed crops. Don is a member of the Organic Seed Alliance and has a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) from the University of California, Davis. This article has been viewed 108,346 times. 2 votes - 60% Co-authors: 14 Updated: October 7, 2024 Views: 108,346 Categories: Harvest and Storage | Growing Vegetables Article SummaryX

To harvest sweet corn, wait until 60-80 days after planting it or until the tassels on the corn plants start to turn brown. You can also squeeze the kernels to see if a milky fluid is released, which is a sign that the corn is ready to be harvested. Then, twist each corn ear off of its stalk while pulling down on it, and put the corn in a bucket or pile. When you're finished, try to prepare the corn on the same day so it doesn't lose all of its flavor. To learn how to harvest flint corn or popcorn, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Jean Saunders

    Jean Saunders

    Aug 2, 2018

    "First time I have grown sweet corn. Have followed you advice from when planting the seed, am now ready to harvest..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Don Tipping Co-authored by: Don Tipping Organic Farmer 2 votes - 60% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 14 Updated: October 7, 2024 Views: 108,346 Jean Saunders

Jean Saunders

Aug 2, 2018

"First time I have grown sweet corn. Have followed you advice from when planting the seed, am now ready to harvest..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Aug 18, 2016

"Your simple but specific details on when and how to harvest corn helped. Thanks!" Brian Vilcinskas

Brian Vilcinskas

Jul 13, 2017

"Loved all of it! Thanks for the info!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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