How to Harvest Ornamental Corn

Ornamental corn produces ears covered in colorful kernels, including hues of red, purple, blue and white. The value of ornamental varieties isn't as a food source but for its use in crafts and home décor. Ornamental corns are a flint corn variety, which makes them too hard to grind for consumption. Wachichu Flint and Sweet Rainbow varieties produce ears adorned with multiple colors of kernels while Broom varieties feature ears covered in only deep red kernels.

Twine
Spray varnish

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect the corn ears daily once the green color begins to fade from the husks. Harvest the corn when the tassel and husk dries and becomes tan in color.
- 2
  Hold the stalk beneath the ear in one hand and grasp the ear in the other. Pull the corn down toward the stalk with a sharp motion, twisting slightly and detaching the corn from the stalk.
- 3
  Peel open the husk so the kernels show but don't remove the husk entirely if you prefer it in place for ornamental purposes. Remove the husk completely if you prefer the bare cob.
- 4
  Tie twine around the bottom of each ear. Hang the ears upside down in a dry, well-ventilated location.
- 5
  Dry the corn for one week or until you are ready to use it. Spray the corn cobs with clear protective varnish to protect them from moisture.

Pests That Affect Corn

The Season to Plant Corn

Growing Corn