I have two locations, separated by a building (the house) where I can grow corn. Each area has 2 plots. I can make it any size, but I was planning on roughly 4x4 for each, if that is even possible. In terms of pollen drift, prevailing winds would blow pollen to the southeast, away from the plantings and off down the street to my neighbours. Hope they aren't growing corn! I realise this isn't a foolproof solution to prevent crossing, but I have taken into account maturity rates and am trying to plant so that they shouldn't be pollinating at the same time anyway.
Varieties:
Blue Jade - 3' tall, can be grown in containers (as is my plan) 70-80 days avg 3-6 ears per?!
Painted Mountain - 6' tall, 70-90d
Country Gentleman - 8' tall, 88-92d
Hopi Blue - 6' tall, 100-110d
I started Blue Jade in the house in large cups on 3/31. It's going in the front yard in very large totes/pots. Hopi in the front as well, in the raised bed. The backyard will get Country Gentleman and Painted Mountain in raised beds.
Question 1:
For the Blue Jade, how big of a pot/container should it be? I saw some pics of a member growing corn on a dock. If he/she is reading this, how big are those containers? That was some big corn!
Question 2:
I know I should stagger the timing of the plantings. When does corn make its pollen? Is it a relatively set time in development based on the maturity date or is it variety specific? Would you bag the tassles instead and hope for the best? How do you do that? When would you plant if you dared to take on this ridiculous experiment? My FFD is Nov 11. ANY advice welcome!
Question 3:
I don't want to overcrowd, but I would like to gently press the limits on spacing to get more plants and increase the opportunities for good pollination. It's hot and dry here, with nice winds in the afternoon. We get mild monsoon weather in late July through early-mid August. I have good irrigation in place and am willing to feed them (organically) as needed. My FFD isn't until November 11. I do not intend to save seed this year.
Feel free to laugh and point. But please, even speculation is welcome. I've never grown corn before!

Thanks!