Popcorn Seeds for Planting & Tips for Growing Popcorn

Popcorn lovers will love this guide to selecting popcorn seeds for planting. Whether you’re a popcorn enthusiast or a gardener wanting to grow a different type of corn, you have come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential tips for growing popcorn, from choosing the right seeds to harvesting the dry kernels.

Let’s dive into the popcorn journey and unlock the secrets to a thriving popcorn garden so you never have to buy your popcorn from grocery stores again.

Choosing the Right Popcorn Seeds for Planting

Yellow Popcorn Seeds for Planting

Yellow Popcorn Seed– This non-GMO open-pollinated variety ensures high yields, with 2-3 ears per plant, measuring 6 to 9 inches long on 5-foot tall stalks. Harvest these yellow kernels in about 90-110 days. Sow corn directly outdoors for best results, ensuring a depth of 1 1/2 inches, eight inches between corn plants, and thirty inches between long rows. 

Provide one to one and a half inches of water during growth, and leave the ears on the stalk until fully mature with brown husks. After harvesting these tasty kernels, allow the ears to dry further until the kernels easily rub off the cob, making them ready for storage or popping. 

Blue Popcorn Seeds for Planting

Mini Blue– Experience the beauty of Heirloom popcorn seeds with this heirloom strain of Miniature Blue Popcorn, a striking medium blue variety with deep-blue small kernels. With an average height of 6-7 feet, this tall plant yields 2-4 inch cobs, boasting a germination rate of 80% or better.

Easy to grow and non-GMO, these seeds, hand-packed in the USA, mature in approximately 110 days. 

Home gardeners can plant in early spring, ensuring proper spacing for good pollination. Watch the husks turn light brown in the fall, signaling the maturity of these sturdy plants. 

Red Popcorn Seeds for Planting 

Popcorn Strawberry Cherry Berry– Embark on a gardening adventure with Strawberry Popcorn, a charming garnet-red variety that matures in about 110 days. These non-GMO seeds, are hand-packed in the United States and promise an 80% or better germination rate.

Standing at just 4 feet tall, this diminutive beauty will captivate your summer garden with 2-4 ears bearing jewel-toned red kernels. 

Let the ears dry on the stalk for popping, and envision the delight this open-pollinated red popcorn will bring to your home gardens. 

​Hulless Popcorn Seeds for Planting 

Japanese Hulless Popcorn Seed– Experience bountiful harvests with this dwarf popcorn variety that produces heavy yields of 2 to 3 ears per 5 foot stalk, each measuring approximately 4″ long and 2″ in diameter.

Japanese Hulless pops up snowy white with tender, sweet corn kernels, perfect for snacking or making movie-style popcorn.

Plant now or store for future seasons, as these seeds remain viable for years in a cool, dry location. 

Cultivate these open-pollinated seeds, selected for optimal germination rates, and enjoy the tradition of planting and growing fresh corn for years to come.

Pink Popcorn Seeds for Planting

Early Pink– Immerse yourself in the allure of Pink Glass Gem Ornamental Corn, an early popcorn variety known by various names such as Early Pink Corn, Neon Pink Corn, and Blush Pink Pearl Corn.

This enchanting plant, with consistently shiny, translucent, bright pink-kerneled cobs, grows vigorously to heights of 6-7 feet.

Plant in well-prepared soil, providing full sun or partial shade, and watch this annual corn variety flourish in USDA Zones 4-9. 

With a quick germination period of 10-14 days and a harvest timeline of 100-120 days, these interesting corn varieties are a great option for your garden.

Large Popcorn Seeds for Planting

Mushroom– Indulge in the allure of ‘Mushroom’ popcorn, a gourmet popping corn variety that takes 103 days to grace your garden with its delightfully big, round, and fluffy popped corn.

This exquisite cultivar boasts golden popcorn kernels, great flavor, and elongated ears, and is particularly recommended for creating scrumptious kettle or this no-bake caramel corn, thanks to its ease of sugar coating. 

When planting these garden seeds, ensure optimal results by sowing the seeds in well-prepared soil. Start by spacing them to allow for the expansive growth of this mushroom-shaped popped kernel.

Dwarf Popcorn Seeds for Planting

Dwarf White Popcorn Seeds– To successfully grow Dwarf White Popcorn Seeds, start by planting them in well-prepared soil after the last frost date, as they thrive in warm conditions.

Sow the seeds 1-2 inches deep with a spacing of 8-12 inches between plants, allowing ample room for growth.

Ensure the soil is kept consistently moist during germination, and as the plants reach 3-4 inches in height, thin them to the recommended spacing. Dwarf White Popcorn is a heavy feeder, so periodic fertilizing can enhance plant growth. 

Harvest the mature ears when the husks turn brown, and the kernels easily rub off the cob. Drying the ears further is recommended before storing or popping the kernels for a delightful popcorn experience.

Multi-Color Popcorn Seeds for Planting 

Glass Gem Corn Seeds– These tall popcorn plants, reaching heights of 8-10 feet, boast 6-8 inch-long ears and a 110-day growth period.

To ensure successful pollination, it’s crucial to plant corn in clusters rather than rows, with a recommended spacing of 24-30 inches.

To kickstart their growth, soak the seeds for 24-48 hours before planting these types of corn in a nursery row, and consider starting them indoors 2-3 weeks before the desired transplant date. 

In zones 4-9, avoid planting in a dry place as these plants need as much moisture as you can provide, avoid seed dryness between waterings, and thin plants to 8-12 inches for optimal results.

Tips for Growing Your Own Popcorn

Growing your own popcorn can be a rewarding endeavor, providing a variety of options and ensuring you have an untreated seed for a delightful popcorn experience. 

When to Plant Popcorn

Determine the proper planting time based on the last frost date in your area. Late spring is usually optimal for planting popcorn seeds. Enhance your soil with organic matter to create a fertile environment for popcorn growth.

Consider using compost or well-rotted manure to boost soil fertility and amend sandy soil.

Popcorn, no matter which type of product you choose to grow, thrives in hot weather conditions, making it suitable for regions with warm climates.

Pay attention to soil temperatures and invest in a soil thermometer for the best way to get accurate measurements to avoid cool soil.

Space popcorn plants efficiently to avoid crowding and promote good air circulation. Maintain an isolation distance to prevent cross-pollination with other popcorn varieties.

Watering & Germination 

An important growing tip to keep in mind is that popcorn has shallow roots, so ensure consistent moisture of the parent plant, especially during dry conditions.

Water well after planting and during germination to support healthy growth. Be vigilant for seed corn maggots and implement preventive measures.

Use mesh bags to protect emerging plants from pests while allowing proper air circulation.

Additionally, when navigating the seed packet and germinating seed phase, it’s crucial to consider proper pollination and growing conditions. Keep in mind that ornamental purposes, such as using popcorn shoots for decorative displays, add a touch of creativity to your garden.

Whether you’re in the contiguous United States or South America, strategic companion planting and attention to details like seed corn maggot prevention can significantly impact the success of your popcorn harvest. 

Companion Planting

Elevate your popcorn cultivation by implementing companion planting strategies that enhance both growth and flavor. The following plants make excellent companions for popcorn plants, fostering a symbiotic relationship that supports overall health and discourages pests.

• Peas 
• pole beans
• cucumbers
• pumpkin
• squash
• melons
• marigolds 

This efficient way of gardening not only contributes to a thriving life cycle for your popcorn but also adds ornamental appeal to your garden. In Amish country and beyond, where popcorn is considered a staple food, incorporating companion crops can be a practical solution for organic growers. 

​FAQs About Popcorn Seeds for Planting

Can I Plant Popcorn Seeds? 

Certainly! Yes, you can plant popcorn seeds. Growing popcorn at home is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Follow the recommended planting guidelines for your specific popcorn variety, considering factors such as soil conditions, temperature, and spacing. With proper care and attention throughout the growing season, you can harvest your delicious popcorn for a unique and satisfying homegrown treat.

When it is time to pop corn, be sure to do a test pop with a few kernels to pinpoint the perfect popping time. 

Can You Plant Popcorn Seeds from the Grocery Store?

While it’s tempting to grab a bag of popcorn from the grocery store and try your hand at planting it, unfortunately, most store-bought popcorn isn’t suitable for planting. The heating and sterilization processes it undergoes often render it non-fertile. To successfully grow your own popcorn, it’s recommended to purchase fertile popcorn seeds from your local garden center or explore the various options for organic popcorn available online.

Can You Save Money On Shipping When Ordering in Bulk?

Check your commercial growers policy to see if they add an additional shipping charge or offer free shipping on plant items when purchased in bulk. When ordering seeds, especially for large items or bulk quantities, check for shipping timeframes to get an idea of the anticipated shipping schedule to your area of the country. For large orders or bulk quantities, consider the convenience of the U.S. Postal Service, ensuring optimum stress protection for your seeds during transit to your street address. 

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