Saving Seeds from Hybrid Sweet Corn

I have always been told, and also read, that I would be wasting my time to save and plant seeds from hybrid sweet corn.   But having a head like I do that is more stubborn than a mule, I decided to investigate this further, the reason being that we live in Chile and I have two varieties of absolutely the best tasting sweet corn I've ever had - seeds of which I managed to get by mail from the states.  I can't get more seeds very easily so I figured that I *must* figure out a way to save these seeds!   The two varieties are Incredible Yellow and Honey Select.  So I decided to boldly write to the International Seed Saving Institute and here is what I sent, with their reply below:

Hi, I have a question.

I want to save corn seeds for two varieties that I planted together.   One is "Honey Select", the other is "Incredible Yellow Sweet Corn".    These are both hybrids.  Honey Select have smaller ears and is not as productive as the Incredible, but they are both so delicious ---well almost makes me go crazy!!!   I've never had corn so tasty!!

I am quite a stubborn person.    I want to plant some of these seeds that I saved from both varieties.  What will be the result, and what determines the result?   Will I still get a sweet corn?   It is my understanding that the parents of hybrid sweet corn were also sweet, so even if I don't get the same great tasting corn, it should still be a fairly good sweet corn, right or not?   Also, since I planted these two varieties side by side at the same time, and they tassled and silked at the same time, is it possible that planting these seeds together next season will result in some kind of a cross between these two varieties, accidentally more or less?

Many thanks,
Dean Moore

Dean:

The varieties will have crossed, for sure, in at least some of the ears.  Have fun.  Plant the seeds.  Save seeds from only those ears that display the characteristics you want.  Try to save from a hundred for more ears, plants that are somewhat the same, 200 if possible.  Plant them again.  Save again.  Repeat 8 times total.  You should have your new variety.  Best description of the process is in the book, Seed to Seed by Suzanne Ashworth.

Bill

 

So now, after planting those mixed seeds the second year....we again experienced the best tasting sweet corn on the cob that we've ever had!  So at least during this first "saving" and "planting" of the seeds, it worked with 100% success!  Maybe my being stubborn as a mule has payed off!  I am now beginning to think that part of the story that is spread around that you can't save hybrid corn seeds is so the companies can sell more seeds!

 

I hope this benefits someone!  I would like to hear of other people's experience with this!   Good luck to all. 

Digging and Curing Sweet Potatoes 2010

Although some folks may be sad to see fall coming a bit early this year, many gardeners are looking forward to harvesting their sweet potato treasures.

Sweet potatoes are warm-season plants that are very sensitive to cold temperatures. The tuberous roots should be harvested by the time frost kills the vines or soon thereafter. Sweet potato roots continue to grow until frost kills the vines. Roots can be left in the ground for a short while; however, an extremely hard frost can cause damage to roots near the surface. Chilling injury also results to roots when soil temperatures drop to 50°F or lower, and this can result in internal decay in storage. The greatest danger from delayed digging is the risk of cold, wet soil encouraging decay of the roots.


Depending on how early you were able to plant, you may find an assortment of "baby baker" or smaller roots, as well as full-size potatoes. Although you can cook newly dug sweet potatoes right away, their flavor and storage quality is greatly improved by curing at warm temperatures first. It is during the curing process that starch is converted to sugar. 

Care should be taken during digging and handling to avoid skinning and bruising the roots. Even a small wound can easily become infected with decay organisms. Line containers with rags or other soft material, if possible, to avoid scratching the roots. Do not store badly injured or diseased roots. Although large amounts of soil clinging to roots during storage is not desirable, sweet potatoes are easily damaged during the washing process when freshly dug. Allow roots to dry and cure before removing excess soil. 

Cure sweet potatoes by holding them for about 10 days at 80-85°F and high relative humidity (85-90 percent). In the absence of better facilities, they can be cured near a furnace to provide warmth. If the temperature near your furnace is between 65-75°F, the curing period should last 2-3 weeks. To maintain the required high humidity (85-90 percent relative humidity), stack storage crates or boxes and cover them with paper or heavy cloth. Packing in perforated plastic bags will also keep humidity high, yet the perforations will allow excess moisture to escape.

Once the sweet potatoes are cured, move them to a dark location where a temperature of about 55-60°F can be maintained during storage. Sweet potatoes are subject to chilling injury, so keep them out of the refrigerator. Outdoor pits are not recommended for storage because the dampness encourages decay. Good results can be obtained by wrapping cured sweet potatoes in newspaper and storing them in a cool closet.

Ball Blue Book of Preserving

An important book if you want to freeze, can, make jam, pickles, etc., whether you have a pressure canner or just a large pot. The recipes are simple and tested by generations. The instructions are very clear and use standard kitchen supplies. There is also an excellent section that explains how water bath canning works and how to do it right.

Click here:  Ball Blue Book of Preserving

Build Your Own Root Cellar!

I found this article at Mother Earth News to be very interesting!

Building a Root Cellar

Undeniable Food Shortages Coming in 2010

The title of this is the title of an article which I think is most interesting. In that article, there is a link to the real article, and I admit it makes sense. However I've been reading about food shortages for several years, but we're all still here. Anyway, take a look...

Click Here

Abundant Gardening!

This is my new blog about gardening, self-sufficiency, and related things. 

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