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.