- 1). Look at the entire corn plant. If the tassel is barren (there are no dangling, yellow pollen stamens remaining) and the ears in the middle length of the stalk are getting plump, harvest time is approaching.
- 2). Examine an individual ear. As the ears ripen, the corn silks tend to dry and begin turning brown in color. According to Texas A&M University, the tips of the husked ears change from pointed to slightly more plump or obtuse as the kernels at the tip finally ripen and enlarge.
- 3). Tear off the silks from a "test ear" in the sweet corn patch. Gently peel back the husk 2 to 3 inches. Look at the kernels' shape, size and color. Nicely formed, plump kernels suggest harvest, but a tip that is white with tiny bump-like underdeveloped kernels means more time is needed.
- 4). Press your thumbnail into a kernel and look for a milky juice. Ready-to-harvest corn juice will taste slightly sweet with a recognizable fresh corn scent.
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