 Ornamental Corn Dear Stan; I have slowly been interested in trying new stuff each year. This year is ornamental corn. I wish to know how to or what to do to bring it to the display stage. An e-mail reply would be best. Marlene from the the Ardrossan area. Thanks, Marlene - A good new question. Ornamental corn as we know it now, is just that. The early South American Indians were one of the civilizations that depended on this crop for their staple food. Maize is still being grown in the U.S, but more for ornamation then food value. There are many varieties of size and colors sold as seed. Stokes Seeds has a good choice of the more favoured varieties. After the corn ears become ripe, cut them from the plant and leave at least 2 inches of the stem on the cob. , but pull back one side of the protective foliage to bare a third of the ear. Now tie the cobs into groups of 4, 5, or 6's using the appendage as the tie off. Hang them in a bright room away from frost and in at a low humidity. They will take about 3 or 4 weeks to dry and cure. That's about it. Don't forget these cobs are edible and make a fine display with other vegetables. We need more interest in our gardens using heritage plants and their produce, as you are doing.  |
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