You Need To Know How this Unusual Ear of Corn Grew in New York

I have never been successful at growing my own vegetable garden. It may be why I am so in awe of people who can. I know there are many of you out there harvesting your veggies daily, while others of us with brown thumbs are descending on the local farm markets.

Hudson Valley Farm Grows Rare Ear of Corn

I live to go to the farm markets all summer to get local fresh fruit and veggies. I try to eat what is in season, so that way I at least feel like it is semi-homegrown. It may not be from my yard, but at least it is from the local soil.

My obsession with following local farms and what's on the shelves may be why I saw a post last week that was so awesome, I had to share it in case you missed it. Boice's Farm in Saugerties has grown the most unusual ear, or should I say ears of corn.

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Boice's Farm posted on its social media last week a picture of its first "Septuplet" ear of corn. They said they have had twins before, but this is a first for them. Not unheard of, but very rare, and looking more like a farmer's wedding bouquet than a dinner side.

READ More: Events Happening Late Summer and Fall at Hudson Valley Wineries

So how does an ear of corn grow into multiple ears of corn growing together as one? According to Beckshybrids.com this is not common but does have a simple explanation.

Why Does Corn Grow In A Bouquet

In an article I found online, Becks Hybrids explains that corn hybrids generally produce one ear per plant, but they also say that if "resources are plentiful," you could get more than one. Usually, the corn plant will prioritize the primary Ear.

However, if there is no primary ear and instead a cluster of multiple ears on a single shank, this is called bouquet ears. In this case, the ears are usually stunted and abnormal. This “bouquet” generally includes three to five ears, with as many as eight being reported (Elmore and Abendroth, 2006.) Yield impact varies greatly depending on how many plants are affected. (via beckshybrids.com)

 

Hudson Valley Farm Offers Corn Ice Cream for a Limited Time

Other Farm markets in the Hudson Valley have been keeping us updated on the goodies we can get from them as well. Hopefully, you have heard about Dressel Farm's Hudson Valley Sweet Corn Ice Cream. They have a fresh batch made, but it is only while supplies last. Dressel Farm is on Route 208 just south of New Paltz, New York.

Yellow Watermelons are in Season in New Paltz, New York

Wallkill View Farm Market posted today that melon season has arrived. They are tempting us to the farm with Baby Yellow Watermelons. They are also known for their fresh corn and Key Lime Pies. Wallkill View Farm is on Route 299 just outside New Paltz on your way to Minnewaska.

Feel free to share pictures in the comments from your favorite farm stops in the Hudosn Valley. We'd also love to see any strange veggies that grew in your garden.