Popcorn

Get delicious healthy popcorn fresh from your garden. Some varieties can even be used for colorful decorations. Sow popcorn around the middle of May when soil temps. warm to at least 60°F. Sow about 1/2 inch deep in hills of 3-4 seeds with 18 to 24 in. between rows. Plant in blocks or in rows of 4 or more for proper cross-pollination. Even at optimal soil temps, popcorn can be slow to germinate, so be patient. Harvest when the kernels on the ears feel hard and dry. They should look glossy, and the stalks and leaves will have dried completely. Let ears dry in a well-ventilated place for several weeks. Next, remove the husks, then strip individual kernels off the ears by rubbing ears together. Once kernels are free and have dried a bit longer, then pop and enjoy. Test popping reveals the proper moisture level of the popcorn. After popping a few kernels, if the popcorn is chewy, this means the kernels are still too "wet" and more drying is needed. If the corn pops poorly, this usually means it is too dry, and moisture should be added to the popcorn kernels. 1 Tbs. of water added to 1 Qt. of popcorn, wait a few days and this usually does the trick.
1 1/2 ounces plants about 100 ft of row.
* QTY breaks are available