Troubleshooting
'Painted Mountain' Corn problems — and how to fix them
'Painted Mountain' Corn (Zea mays 'Painted Mountain') 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.
Poorly filled ears
Caused by sparse, single-row planting or drought at silking; plant in blocks and keep moisture steady during pollination.
Corn smut (Ustilago)
Grey-black galls on ears in hot, humid weather; remove and destroy galls before they burst, and rotate planting sites.
Corn earworm / borers
Larvae tunnel into ear tips and stalks; a drop of mineral oil on emerging silks deters earworm, and clearing crop debris reduces overwintering.
Lodging in wind
Tall stalks topple in storms or shallow soil; earth up the stem bases and avoid over-feeding nitrogen, which makes growth lush and weak.
Prevent 'painted mountain' corn problems before they start
Most 'painted mountain' 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
- 'Painted Mountain' Corn watering schedule
- 'Painted Mountain' Corn light requirements
- Best soil mix for 'painted mountain' corn
- 'Painted Mountain' Corn temperature & humidity
- Full 'painted mountain' corn care guide
Looking for 'painted mountain' corn in general rather than its problems? Read the full 'painted mountain' corn care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
'Painted Mountain' Corn problems — FAQ
Why is my 'painted mountain' corn poorly filled ears?
Caused by sparse, single-row planting or drought at silking; plant in blocks and keep moisture steady during pollination.
Why is my 'painted mountain' corn corn smut (ustilago)?
Grey-black galls on ears in hot, humid weather; remove and destroy galls before they burst, and rotate planting sites.
Why is my 'painted mountain' corn corn earworm / borers?
Larvae tunnel into ear tips and stalks; a drop of mineral oil on emerging silks deters earworm, and clearing crop debris reduces overwintering.
Why is my 'painted mountain' corn lodging in wind?
Tall stalks topple in storms or shallow soil; earth up the stem bases and avoid over-feeding nitrogen, which makes growth lush and weak.