How to Cure Corn Seeds

Allow ears to dry on the stalk. For long, dry growing seasons, let the ears with the largest kernels stay on the plant four to six weeks. Remove the ears and twist the cobs, working the seeds off with your fingers and thumbs. They should come off neatly, without too much pressure. Store in breathable fabric sacks in a cool, dry place.

Force-air dry the kernels. Shorter growing seasons or a wet summer and fall require the gardener to remove the ear earlier to dry. Pick the largest ears after the husks have turned brown and remove as much husk and silk as possible from each. Arrange the ears on a steel or wire mesh rack with 360 degree airflow. Place the racks in room a with a temperature above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Fans will help reduce humidity so your corn can dry. Aim several fans set on the lowest setting at the racks. Check on the ears once or twice a day. Drying times vary greatly depending on the initial moisture content of your corn, the humidity level in the room and the amount of corn you are drying. Once the seeds are dry, with a moisture content of 14 to 15 percent, twist to remove them from the ears and store in a breathable sack in a cool, dry place.

Hang the ears to cure. If the ears are close to being fully cured, pull the brown husks back from the ears and hang them in a cool, dry place. Choose the driest location available to you with a temperature of more than 40 degrees, usually a room in your home, as dampness will cause the ears to mildew. Consider hanging the ears in front of a sunny window for solar heat and drying benefits.