How to Grow Popcorn

My husband and I love Popcorn, so, a few years ago we decided to try our hand at growing a crop. I was kind of shocked to find out all we needed to do is plant popcorn kernels from the store! I am going to show you how to grow popcorn!

The next spring we scoped out the area of the garden we wanted to use for the Popcorn and prepared the ground by tilling it a couple of times prior to planting.

As you would guess, Popcorn is grown just like regular corn. After the last frost, plant popcorn kernels 8-12 inches apart in a row. Water regularly until they sprout. Once they start growing, they really take off!

Other than weeding and cultivating, popcorn is pretty much hands off. After the silks appear, you need to put mineral oil on the silks to deter worms. But, that’s it!

In September, you should start checking the popcorn. Press your thumbnail into the kernel, if it feels somewhat soft, it’s not ready to harvest. Wait until the kernel feels hard when pressed.

Once you harvest the popcorn, pull the shucks back but not off. You will use the shucks to hang the popcorn for further curing and drying.

We string twine across rooms and hang the popcorn by the shuck. We just tie 2 of the shucks together to hold the popcorn in place.

Allow it to cure/dry for at least 4 weeks. I try to let it hang for 4-6 weeks.

Once it has cured, it’s time to remove the kernels from the ear! It’s super easy to do. Just hold the ear over a bowl and take your thumb to push against the kernels to pop them loose.