Troubleshooting
Bloody Butcher Corn problems — and how to fix them
Bloody Butcher Corn (Zea mays 'Bloody Butcher') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Poor pollination
Single rows or too few plants give ears with missing kernels; sow in blocks of at least 4x4 so wind-borne pollen reaches the silks.
Lodging
Tall stalks topple in wind on loose or over-fertilised soil; hill up the bases and shelter the block to keep plants upright.
Corn earworm
Caterpillars feed in the tips of the ears; a few drops of mineral oil on the silks after pollination, or Bt, reduce damage.
Nitrogen deficiency
Yellowing lower leaves and stunted stalks signal hunger; side-dress with nitrogen, as this crop is a heavy feeder.
Prevent bloody butcher corn problems before they start
Most bloody butcher corn issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common corn problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Bloody Butcher Corn watering schedule
- Bloody Butcher Corn light requirements
- Best soil mix for bloody butcher corn
- Bloody Butcher Corn temperature & humidity
- Full bloody butcher corn care guide
Looking for bloody butcher corn in general rather than its problems? Read the full bloody butcher corn care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Bloody Butcher Corn problems — FAQ
Why is my bloody butcher corn poor pollination?
Single rows or too few plants give ears with missing kernels; sow in blocks of at least 4x4 so wind-borne pollen reaches the silks.
Why is my bloody butcher corn lodging?
Tall stalks topple in wind on loose or over-fertilised soil; hill up the bases and shelter the block to keep plants upright.
Why is my bloody butcher corn corn earworm?
Caterpillars feed in the tips of the ears; a few drops of mineral oil on the silks after pollination, or Bt, reduce damage.
Why is my bloody butcher corn nitrogen deficiency?
Yellowing lower leaves and stunted stalks signal hunger; side-dress with nitrogen, as this crop is a heavy feeder.