Can I Plant Popcorn Kernels?

Introduction

Growing your own vegetables and fruits is becoming increasingly popular these days, but have you ever considered growing your own popcorn? Popcorn is a tasty and healthy snack that can be enjoyed any time of day. However, can you really plant popcorn kernels and grow them into full-blown popcorn plants? In this article, we will explore whether this is possible and what you need to do to make it happen.

The Short Answer

The short answer is yes, you can plant popcorn kernels and grow them into popcorn plants. However, it's important to note that just because you plant popcorn kernels doesn't mean you'll be harvesting fresh popcorn anytime soon. This is because popcorn, unlike sweet corn, is a 'dried' corn, meaning it has to be properly dried before popping. This can take several months, which means that you'll need to be patient if you want to grow your own popcorn.

What You Need To Get Started

To grow popcorn, you'll need to obtain some popcorn kernels. You can typically find these at a local nursery or hardware store. Corn seeds usually come in packages of several hundred or even thousands, so you'll have plenty to plant. You'll also need a large space to plant the corn. Corn grows tall, so it's best to plant it in rows so that it has plenty of room to grow. You'll also need to ensure that the soil is rich in nutrients and well-draining, so that the corn can develop a healthy root system.

Planting and Caring for Popcorn Plants

Once you've obtained your popcorn kernels and found a suitable planting spot, it's time to start planting. Simply plant your kernels about an inch deep in the soil and cover them up. You'll want to water the soil regularly, but not too much so that it becomes waterlogged. The corn should start to germinate within a week or two of planting. Once the corn has grown a few inches tall, you'll need to thin out the plants so that they have plenty of space to grow. This means that you should remove weak or small plants so that the remaining ones have the best chance of thriving.

Harvesting Your Popcorn

As mentioned earlier, popcorn takes several months to properly dry before it can be popped. This means that you'll need to wait until the entire corn plant turns brown and the kernels harden before harvesting. To do this, you'll need to break off the cobs and hang them up in a cool, dry place for several weeks. This will allow the corn to properly dry out before you can remove the kernels and pop them.

Conclusion

Growing popcorn plants requires patience and dedication, but it can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can plant your own popcorn kernels and watch them grow into healthy popcorn plants. With a little bit of luck and a lot of sunshine, you may even be able to harvest your very own fresh popcorn in no time.