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How Do You Grow Popcorn Corn at Home?
Popcorn corn has a hard outer shell that surrounds a quantity of starch and a moist kernel. Popcorn seeds can be grown at home in late spring when the soil temperature rises above 15°C. Below are the steps to plant popcorn at home depending on the type of soil used:
Planting in Heavy Clay Soil
Popcorn seeds are planted in heavy clay soil at a depth of 2.5 cm, keeping a distance of about 20 cm between each seed. It is recommended to plant them in four rows spaced 60 cm apart to ensure proper pollination. Seeds typically germinate within 90–120 days. When the plants reach about 12.5 cm in height, they should be thinned to maintain a spacing of 30 cm between them.
Planting in Light Sandy Soil
Popcorn seeds are planted in sandy soil at a depth of around 5 cm, while maintaining the same 20 cm spacing between seeds as in clay soil. Rows should be spaced 60 cm apart to ensure pollination. Seeds usually take 90–120 days to grow, and once the plants reach 12.5 cm in height, seedlings should be thinned to 30 cm apart.
How to Care for Popcorn Corn After Planting
Popcorn corn requires consistent watering to prevent the soil from drying out. In heavy soil, it should be watered weekly, while sandy soil requires more frequent watering. Once the kernels fill out and begin to dry, irrigation should stop to allow natural drying.
Corn cobs must be monitored once their silks appear to ensure there are no pests or worms. If infestation occurs, insecticides containing carbaryl or permethrin may be used. Fertilizing during mid-summer is also recommended.
How to Isolate Sweet Corn from Popcorn Corn
The best isolation method is to leave enough distance between the two crops—no less than 90 meters—to prevent cross-pollination. Alternatively, time separation can be used: plant popcorn first, then sweet corn at least 3 weeks later. When growing in a small home garden, it is preferable to grow only one type to avoid unwanted hybridization.
How to Harvest Popcorn Corn
Unlike sweet corn, popcorn corn is left on its stalks to dry completely. Afterward, it is cut and placed in a warm, well-ventilated area for 4–6 weeks until fully dry, then removed from the cob.
How to Ensure Successful Popcorn Cultivation at Home
Because popcorn corn is susceptible to diseases, many growers use seeds treated with fungicides. Spreading plastic mulch on the soil surface helps increase soil temperature and improve growth. Popcorn should always be isolated from sweet corn; otherwise, crop quality will be negatively affected.
It is also recommended to add fertilizer before planting to provide essential nutrients and ensure a moist, suitable growing environment.
