Corn and Popcorn

[gettinaclue]

How far apart do I have to plant them so I don't have to worry about cross pollination? Or is there a method that would allow me to plant them rather close without the worry?

I have read about making a bag and putting over flowers of things you don't want cross pollinated - but I'm not sure if that is feasible with corn?

Also, since I'm touching on the subject of bags....can I make them with tulle from the fabric store, or is there another fabric that would be best to use?

 

[journey11]

With corn, they are usually best separated by time. For most people, the summer gives you a long enough growing period to put in several rounds of corn. Sweet corns are usually planted earlier. Dried corns like field corn and popcorn are usually later (to allow time to dry and not concerned with rotating in another crop behind it.) My ag ext recommends 14 days between different plantings.

ETA: Otherwise, if two kinds of corn are blooming at the same time, they cross-pollinate very easily by wind. Nearby field corn can mess up your sweet corn! The crossing affects the kernels (next year's offspring).

 

[gettinaclue]

Thank you Journey!