Corn Tillers or Suckers; Should they stay or go?

Posted by Jennifer Dixon on 27th May 2017

Corn Tillers or Suckers; Should they stay or go?

Corn tillers also known as suckers are shoots that begin growing at the base of the corn stalk on both sides. It is not a genetic flaw in the slightest although it may look quite strange.

There are a couple of theories on why corn plants can develop these small shoots on the side of the stalk. According to Purdue University there are three common reasons why these shoots emerge. 

Some believe they emerge as anchors against potential strong winds which could be the case, or some suggest this occurs because the main stalk has sustained some damage and therefore these funny additions emerge. However many believe this occurs because of optimal soil conditions which we believe is the case with our heirloom corn this year. We have noticed quite a few shoots growing on our corn plants this season. We are growing our corn organically and we believe this had led to the right conditions for tillers to appear.

Each year in winter we add chicken manure to our growing areas. We cover them with hay and wait for the earthworms to move in. Once spring arrives we pull back the hay and turn the soil. We usually find worms throughout the soil which is a good sign. After that we put the hay back and get ready to plant. We pull back the hay just where the seed will be planted and amend the soil with blood meal, bone meal, and peat moss. We then plant our seeds. And that's it. We make sure the soil stays moist and watch it grow. 

Now back to the tillers some people suggest removing them while others say leave them. It really is up to you. Most agree they do not leach nutrients from the main stalk and some even suggest if soil is rich enough they can produce grain. We aren't sure about that, but one thing is for certain growing organically makes all the difference when growing corn. We add fish emulsion as the plants grow and hopefully soon with the Lord's blessing we will have some savory ears on out plants

Well I hope this helps in your gardening quest this year and as always if you need seeds visit us at our store at

UPDATE: We decided in the end to cut the tillers. We have noticed a difference. To us we noticed a height increase shortly after. Could these tillers hinder growth? We have more studies to do.

www.southgaseedco.com

To access the Purdue article click below:

https://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/corn/news/articles...