How to Fertilize Corn at the Tassel

The United States grows 20 percent more corn than any other agricultural product, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A grain, corn is in the grass family. Like many grasses, it is self-pollinating. The tassel, the male portion of the plant, extends out of the stalk top and sheds pollen to fertilize the corn ears. The female part of the corn plant develops into the ear and has profuse amounts of corn silk extending from the tips of the ears. Each strand of corn silk is attached to one kernel on the corn and must be pollinated or that kernel won't develop.

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the tassel from corn plants that you want to act as the female plant, if hybridizing the corn to produce seeds rather edible corn. Remove the tassel before the silk appears on the ears of corn, to prevent self-fertilization. When hybridizing corn for seed production, allow one variety of corn to pollinate a second variety of corn and produce a more vigorous hybrid species. Harvest only the corn from the detasseled plants, as the other plants will not produce hybrid seed. Skip this step if you are growing corn to eat rather than for seed production.
- 2
  Wait until the corn silk has fully emerged from the ear husk. Once the majority of the silks have emerged from the ear husk, hand fertilize the ear of corn.
- 3
  Remove the tassel from the top of the corn stalk. Grab the tassel just above the top leaf on the stalk and bend it sharply. When the tassel snaps, pull sharply up on the tassel, removing it from the stalk.
- 4
  Brush the tassel across the ends of the corn silk, shaking it slightly to release the pollen. Repeat the process several times to ensure that each silk is covered with pollen.

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