How to Grow Popcorn

Popcorn, the perfect snack, was grown and eaten by Native Americans long before the arrival of the Europeans. It is still a popular treat today. This popular treat is easier to grow than its familiar cousin, sweet corn, and growing your own popcorn is a fun way to encourage your children to enjoy gardening. Read on to learn how to grow popcorn.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Growing Popcorn

1. Buy popcorn seeds. Many cultivars are available and can easily be found in seed catalogs, both online and mail order.
2. Select your garden site carefully. Your popcorn needs to be planted in an area with full sun and good drainage.
3. Plant the popcorn. Wait until after the last frost date in your area, then plant the seeds two inches deep and four inches apart, if you are growing a dwarf type, or eight to 10 inches apart if you are growing a larger type.
4. Space the rows two to three feet apart. Keep your popcorn rows at least 500 feet away from your sweet corn to avoid cross-pollination.
5. Water your popcorn garden frequently and keep the weeds down for best results.

Harvesting and Storing Popcorn

6. Harvest your popcorn when the kernels are hard and dry.
7. Test the popcorn to see if it is ready. Heat half an inch of oil in a pan on the stove and pop a few kernels. If most of them pop, your popcorn is ready to harvest.
8. Pick the popcorn, peel the husks back and tie the ears together by the husks. Hang the bunches of ears in a dry, airy place to cure for another week or two.
9. Flake off the kernels by rubbing two ears together and store the kernels in a covered jar in a cool place.

Tips & Warnings

• If your popcorn does not pop well, it may be too dry. Shake a tbsp. of water over the corn in the jar and shake it well. Wait two days, then try popping another batch. If it still doesn't pop, simply try this again.

Who Can Help:

• Find Contractors Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Landscaping Design and Installation Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Lawn Care Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.