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A fresh bowl of fluffy popcorn ready for snacking

Best way to grow Popcorn in 5 StepsPopcorn

This guide outlines the best way to grow popcorn in 5 simple steps, ensuring a successful harvest of this fun and delicious crop.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

Popcorn Seeds
  • 1 packet Popcorn seeds for planting
Soil Amendments
  • 2 cups Compost per plant
  • 1/2 cup Balanced fertilizer per plant
Water
  • Water as needed

Equipment

  • Gardening gloves
  • Trowel
  • Watering can or hose
  • Fertilizer spreader (optional)
  • Airtight containers

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil; prepare the soil by adding compost and a balanced fertilizer.
Planting
  1. Plant popcorn seeds 1 inch deep and 6-8 inches apart in rows that are 30-36 inches apart; water thoroughly after planting.
Care and Maintenance
  1. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during tasseling and silking, and fertilize every 3-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Harvesting
  1. Harvest popcorn when the kernels are hard and glossy and the husks are dry and papery, typically 90-120 days after planting.
Drying and Storing
  1. Remove the husks and hang the ears in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area for 3-4 weeks until the kernels are completely dry; store in airtight containers.

Notes

Popcorn plants can grow quite tall, so consider staking them if you live in a windy area. Rotate your popcorn crops each year to prevent soil-borne diseases. Enjoy your homegrown popcorn!