How to Wrap an Open-Pollinated Corn Tassel

Although corn is typically pollinated through the wind and insects, open pollination ensures that corn is not accidentally pollinated with nearby hybrid corn varieties. Hybrid corn produces seed that is sterile, while open-pollinated corn seed can be saved and replanted year after year. To maintain control over the pollination process, the male reproductive part of the corn, the tassel, will need to be wrapped in order to collect pollen. The collected pollen will be distributed directly onto the female reproductive part, called the shoot.

Brown paper bags
Paper clips

Instructions

- 1
  Bend the corn stalk gently so the tassels are as horizontal as possible. The tassel is covered in "anthers" which release pollen. Anthers will begin shedding pollen two to three days before the corn is ready to be pollinated, so wrap the tassels as soon as you start to see pollen.
- 2
  Slide the tassels into a paper bag and fold the open end so there is no gap between the stalk and the bag. It is important to make sure no pollen will fall out.
- 3
  Find the uppermost leaf of the stalk and position it against the paper bag. This leaf is known as the "flag leaf."
- 4
  Fold the paper bag in half with the flag leaf enveloped in the middle. This will help keep the bag stable in windy conditions.
- 5
  Secure the paper bag folds with a paper clip. Wait for at least one hour before attempting to remove the paper bag to ensure that pollen has been collected. Paper bags can be left on tassels overnight, as long as they do not get soaked through by rain or dew.
- 6
  Bend stalk gently so the paper bag opening is higher than the closed end before removing the paper clips.
- 7
  Shake the bag vigorously while the tassels are still inside to loosen any remaining pollen from the tassels, and slide the bag off.
- 8
  Empty the pollen bag directly onto the ready shoots of the plants needing to be pollinated. Be sure to use the pollen within the first 10 to 30 minutes after collection or it may no longer be viable. It may be helpful to first cut the shoots (silks) back so they are more receptive to the fresh pollen.
- 9
  Slide the empty pollen bag over the now-pollinated shoot and secure with a paper clip. This protects the shoot from becoming pollinated by other plants and allows the ear of corn to grow with some protection from insects.

Length of Growing Season for Hickory King Corn

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Growing Corn