growing silver queen corn but the ears are short

Question

Hi all.

I am growing silver queen corn in my backyard for the second year. Both this year, and last year the ears are short. They are supposed to be 8-9 in, but they are only around 6 in.

They have been fully pollinated as the kernels are all fully formed. The plants are all 6-7 feet tall, and green. None of the leaves have any yellow.

I planted them in shovel fulls of aged compost. I am also growing sunflowers (on the north side), winter squash, and beans with them (three sisters). The sunflowers, squash, and beans are doing well.

The garden does not get more than 6.5 hours of sunlight. Could that be the problem? I’ve read all different things about how much sun corn needs. Some say 6+, some say 8-10.

I can post pictures of the corn if that helps.

Your help is appreciated.

Answer 1

It sounds like you already have an idea of what is going on! Corn will need as much as possible to grow properly. 6 hours will be the minimum to harvest something edible from the plant, and with only 6 hours you will not expect a harvest like you would if it were get full, unobstructed sun all day.

This article will help you to grow corn: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/corn/grow-sweet-corn.htm