Why Does Corn Silk Turn Red?

Excess Heat, Excess Sugars
If anyone should know what's going on with a corn crop, it's them. ... When corn kernels production on plant is low, the plant can't use all the sugar it has produced by photosynthesis. And when there is too much sugar in the plant, the sugar turns the plant red to purplish-red.

What corn has red tassels?

Ruby Queen is an amazing new sweet corn with an amazing corn color-it's really red! You won't believe how appetizing a red corn can be until you see it on your plate, then bite into the extra-sweet, tender kernels. You can enjoy Ruby Queen at two stages.

Why does my corn have purple silk?

The purple color is from a pigment that forms when there is more sugar in the leaves than the plant can utilize. Low phosphorus inhibits sugar movement out of leaves, and cool, dry soils reduce root growth and sugar movement to the roots.

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Consumer Tech & Gadget Reviewer

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.