I want to try to save corn seed this fall. Last year was a disaster.
I harvested the corn, put a few away and they rotted.
What did I do wrong?
Betty

hello betty,

was your corn still on the cob and was the seed and cob totally dry ?

if it wasn't, that may be the start of the problem or possibly it was exposed to moisture during storage. regardless, somewhere it was moist.

if your climate allows you can leave your seed corn right on the stalk to dry.

wildlifeman

Yes, it was on the cob. I just saved from a bunch we brought in to eat. Picked at the same time. Then left to dry out which it did some, but mostly molded then turned to dry rot.
Betty

wildlifeman is correct.
Bag the corn with a paper bag, not plastic. Leave on the stalk to dry. Once dry, remove it, pull the husk down, but not off. Hang it from the husk in a garage or shed away from pests (very important). Once completely dry, remove the seed from the cob and store in a dry place. It should last 2 years but more advisable to rotate every year. It's amazing how fast corn seed degrades.
Jim

Thanks for that info. I was wondering the same thing as Betty.

Thanks for the info everyone.
I planted quite a bit of corn this year.
Another question: after drying, can I freeze it?
Betty

Betty, how much corn did you grow?
I ask because if you're not growing at least a few hundred stalks, inbreeding depression becomes a problem.
As far as freezing, yes, you certainly can freeze it. Before you do make sure it is dry (crumbles when squeezed, not squishes).
It should store for many years that way.
In our store room, we get up to 10 years in 60 degrees, low humidity.

I planted about 200 stalks this year. I want to try a new variety this year.
Betty