Difference between revisions of "Grow Popcorn"
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Popcorn is a little different from regular corn, most notably in that it pops after being dried if heated in a popcorn popper or other utensil. It also has slightly different requirements for planting and growing. This article will show you how to plant, grow, and care for popcorn. In no time, you'll have a harvest of popcorn that you can cook and enjoy. | Popcorn is a little different from regular corn, most notably in that it pops after being dried if heated in a popcorn popper or other utensil. It also has slightly different requirements for planting and growing. This article will show you how to plant, grow, and care for popcorn. In no time, you'll have a harvest of popcorn that you can cook and enjoy. | ||
[[Category:Growing Corn]] | [[Category:Growing Corn]] | ||
| − | [[Category:Planting and Growing]] | + | [[Category: Planting and Growing]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Planting Popcorn === | === Planting Popcorn === | ||
| − | #Buy some fertile popcorn seeds. You can use plain popcorn from a bag, but you will want to do a fertility test first. Not all store-bought popcorn will be fertile because of the heating and sterilization processes popcorn goes through before being packaged and sold. You can also buy popcorn seeds from a seed company or from a farmer.<ref>http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/grow-your-own-popcorn-zmaz79zsch.aspx</ref> | + | #Buy some fertile popcorn seeds. You can use plain popcorn from a bag, but you will want to do a fertility test first. Not all store-bought popcorn will be fertile because of the heating and sterilization processes popcorn goes through before being packaged and sold. You can also buy popcorn seeds from a seed company or from a farmer.<ref name="rf1">http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/grow-your-own-popcorn-zmaz79zsch.aspx</ref> |
#* To test store-bought popcorn for fertility: sow 20 seeds, water, and wait. If the corn grows in about a week, you have fertile seeds. If 2 weeks pass, and you still don't see any sprouts emerging, you have infertile seeds. The seeds must be fertile in order to grow. | #* To test store-bought popcorn for fertility: sow 20 seeds, water, and wait. If the corn grows in about a week, you have fertile seeds. If 2 weeks pass, and you still don't see any sprouts emerging, you have infertile seeds. The seeds must be fertile in order to grow. | ||
| − | #Soak the corn kernels in warm water for 12 hours. This helps moisten them so they will germinate faster.<ref>http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/grow-your-own-popcorn-zmaz79zsch.aspx?PageId=2</ref> | + | #Soak the corn kernels in warm water for 12 hours. This helps moisten them so they will germinate faster.<ref name="rf2">http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/grow-your-own-popcorn-zmaz79zsch.aspx?PageId=2</ref> |
#Choose the right spot. Make sure that the spot will receive lots of sunlight and that the soil drains easily. You will need lots of room to grow corn. | #Choose the right spot. Make sure that the spot will receive lots of sunlight and that the soil drains easily. You will need lots of room to grow corn. | ||
| − | #* Don't plant within 100 feet (30.48 meters) of other types of corn, or you may get cross pollination. This could result in hybrids, and may affect the flavor.<ref>http://www.farmerfred.com/Grow%20Your%20Own%20Popcorn.htm</ref> | + | #* Don't plant within 100 feet (30.48 meters) of other types of corn, or you may get cross pollination. This could result in hybrids, and may affect the flavor.<ref name="rf3">http://www.farmerfred.com/Grow%20Your%20Own%20Popcorn.htm</ref> |
| − | #Plant the kernels after the danger of frost has passed. Depending on where you live, this will be sometime between the first week in March and the middle of May.<ref>http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1743&context=extensionhist</ref> The soil should be between 50 and 55°F (10 and 12.7°C).<ref | + | #Plant the kernels after the danger of frost has passed. Depending on where you live, this will be sometime between the first week in March and the middle of May.<ref name="rf4">http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1743&context=extensionhist</ref> The soil should be between 50 and 55°F (10 and 12.7°C).<ref name="rf4" /> Expect the seedlings to emerge in 3 to 12 days.<ref name="rf5">http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/how-to-grow-corn-zmaz93amztak.aspx</ref> |
| − | #* Space seeds 8 to 10 inches (20.32 to 25.4 centimeters) apart. If you are planting in rows, space the rows 18 to 24 inches (45.72 to 60.96 centimeters) apart.<ref>http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/corn/growing-popcorn-plants.htm</ref> | + | #* Space seeds 8 to 10 inches (20.32 to 25.4 centimeters) apart. If you are planting in rows, space the rows 18 to 24 inches (45.72 to 60.96 centimeters) apart.<ref name="rf6">http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/corn/growing-popcorn-plants.htm</ref> |
#* Plant the corn ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) deep in the spring. Plant the corn 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) deep in the summer. | #* Plant the corn ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) deep in the spring. Plant the corn 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) deep in the summer. | ||
| − | #* Put 2 seeds in each hole. Only 75% of seeds germinate.<ref>http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/how-to-grow-corn-zmaz93amztak.aspx?PageId=2</ref> | + | #* Put 2 seeds in each hole. Only 75% of seeds germinate.<ref name="rf7">http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/how-to-grow-corn-zmaz93amztak.aspx?PageId=2</ref> |
| − | #Thin seedlings when they are 4 inches (10.16 centimeters) tall. Don't thin them any sooner, as not all seedlings survive. Thin them until they are 10 to 15 inches (25.4 to 38.1 centimeters) apart.<ref>http://www.garden.org/foodguide/browse/veggie/corn_getting_started/793</ref> | + | #Thin seedlings when they are 4 inches (10.16 centimeters) tall. Don't thin them any sooner, as not all seedlings survive. Thin them until they are 10 to 15 inches (25.4 to 38.1 centimeters) apart.<ref name="rf8">http://www.garden.org/foodguide/browse/veggie/corn_getting_started/793</ref> |
=== Growing and Caring for Popcorn === | === Growing and Caring for Popcorn === | ||
| − | #Water the corn often. Popcorn is a thirsty plant. It will need about 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) of water each week (depending on soil condition) until it is ready to be harvested. This will take about 100 days.<ref | + | #Water the corn often. Popcorn is a thirsty plant. It will need about 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) of water each week (depending on soil condition) until it is ready to be harvested. This will take about 100 days.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #Use a fertilizer high in nitrogen (12-12-12 fertilizer) occasionally to help the corn grow. Spread the fertilizer between the rows. Water it to get it into the soil. You do not need to fertilize often. Only two or three times. Here is when you use fertilizer:<ref | + | #Use a fertilizer high in nitrogen (12-12-12 fertilizer) occasionally to help the corn grow. Spread the fertilizer between the rows. Water it to get it into the soil. You do not need to fertilize often. Only two or three times. Here is when you use fertilizer:<ref name="rf6" /> |
#* When the corn is about knee-height, or gets 8 to 10 leaves: use ½ pound (226.80 grams) of fertilizer per 100 square feet (9.29 square meters). | #* When the corn is about knee-height, or gets 8 to 10 leaves: use ½ pound (226.80 grams) of fertilizer per 100 square feet (9.29 square meters). | ||
#* When the ears form silk: use ¼ pound (113.4 grams) of fertilizer per 100 square feet (9.29 square meters) once the ears form silk. | #* When the ears form silk: use ¼ pound (113.4 grams) of fertilizer per 100 square feet (9.29 square meters) once the ears form silk. | ||
| − | #* Add more fertilizer if: the leaves turn yellow or pale, especially after getting silk.<ref | + | #* Add more fertilizer if: the leaves turn yellow or pale, especially after getting silk.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #Be on the lookout for weeds. Weeds can damage popcorn by using up all of the water and nutrients that the corn needs to survive. To get rid of weeds, you will need to cultivate the soil around the corn. Be careful so that you don't damage the roots.<ref | + | #Be on the lookout for weeds. Weeds can damage popcorn by using up all of the water and nutrients that the corn needs to survive. To get rid of weeds, you will need to cultivate the soil around the corn. Be careful so that you don't damage the roots.<ref name="rf6" /> |
| − | #Scare away the crows. You will want to be alert from the moment your corn starts to sprout—or possibly even before. Here are some ways you can keep those feathered thieves away from your crop:<ref | + | #Scare away the crows. You will want to be alert from the moment your corn starts to sprout—or possibly even before. Here are some ways you can keep those feathered thieves away from your crop:<ref name="rf7" /> |
#* Place much around your corn. By the time the seedlings come up, the crows won't be as interested in them anymore. | #* Place much around your corn. By the time the seedlings come up, the crows won't be as interested in them anymore. | ||
#* Put up a scarecrow. | #* Put up a scarecrow. | ||
| − | #* Place a tunnel of chicken wire over each row of seedlings.<ref | + | #* Place a tunnel of chicken wire over each row of seedlings.<ref name="rf8" /> |
| − | #Chase away the raccoons. Raccoons will go after corn once the ears form and start to ripen. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can protect your crop from those furry bandits:<ref>http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/how-to-grow-corn-zmaz93amztak.aspx?PageId=3</ref> | + | #Chase away the raccoons. Raccoons will go after corn once the ears form and start to ripen. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can protect your crop from those furry bandits:<ref name="rf9">http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/how-to-grow-corn-zmaz93amztak.aspx?PageId=3</ref> |
#* Install an electric fence around your field | #* Install an electric fence around your field | ||
#* Put some hot pepper on the silk. | #* Put some hot pepper on the silk. | ||
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#* Use portable radios around the corn. | #* Use portable radios around the corn. | ||
#* Try the Native American trick of planting pumpkin around the corn. No one is quite sure as to why this works, although there are many theories. | #* Try the Native American trick of planting pumpkin around the corn. No one is quite sure as to why this works, although there are many theories. | ||
| − | #Be wary of borers. They attack mainly the stalks. They leave behind tiny holes filled with dust. The easiest way to kill them is by squeezing the stalk. The most effective way is to apply pesticides, such as rotenone or Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).<ref | + | #Be wary of borers. They attack mainly the stalks. They leave behind tiny holes filled with dust. The easiest way to kill them is by squeezing the stalk. The most effective way is to apply pesticides, such as rotenone or Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).<ref name="rf7" /> |
| − | #Be on the lookout for earworms. True to their name, earworms attack the ears, just as they start to form silk. There are two ways to handle earworms:<ref | + | #Be on the lookout for earworms. True to their name, earworms attack the ears, just as they start to form silk. There are two ways to handle earworms:<ref name="rf7" /> |
#* Before the silk turns brown, sprinkle the tip of each ear with a pesticide, such as: Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), pyrethrin, or rotenone. | #* Before the silk turns brown, sprinkle the tip of each ear with a pesticide, such as: Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), pyrethrin, or rotenone. | ||
#* After the silk turns brown, put a drop of mineral oil on the tip of each ear. | #* After the silk turns brown, put a drop of mineral oil on the tip of each ear. | ||
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#Expect the corn to mature after 85 to 120 days. Depending on when you planted the corn, this will be around October. It also depends on the species of corn; some species are ready for harvest sooner than others. | #Expect the corn to mature after 85 to 120 days. Depending on when you planted the corn, this will be around October. It also depends on the species of corn; some species are ready for harvest sooner than others. | ||
#Let the corn dry on the stalks. If the autumns where you live are dry, you can let the corn dry right on the stalks. If the autumn starts to get rainy, harvest the corn, and take it inside, to finish drying. | #Let the corn dry on the stalks. If the autumns where you live are dry, you can let the corn dry right on the stalks. If the autumn starts to get rainy, harvest the corn, and take it inside, to finish drying. | ||
| − | #Harvest the corn when it is ready. The husks should be dry, and the kernels hard. Pull the corn off the stalks first, then peel the husks off.<ref | + | #Harvest the corn when it is ready. The husks should be dry, and the kernels hard. Pull the corn off the stalks first, then peel the husks off.<ref name="rf6" /> |
#Store the corn properly for the next 2 to 3 weeks while it cures. Place the husked ears in mesh bags. Hand the bags in a dry, warm, well-ventilated area. You can also use nylon stockings instead. | #Store the corn properly for the next 2 to 3 weeks while it cures. Place the husked ears in mesh bags. Hand the bags in a dry, warm, well-ventilated area. You can also use nylon stockings instead. | ||
| − | #Do the pop test to see whether or not the corn is ready. Simply twist a few kernels off of the cob, and put them onto a hot pan. Heat them in some oil as you normally would. If the corn pops, it is ready. If it sticks to the pan, it is not ready and needs to dry/cure longer.<ref | + | #Do the pop test to see whether or not the corn is ready. Simply twist a few kernels off of the cob, and put them onto a hot pan. Heat them in some oil as you normally would. If the corn pops, it is ready. If it sticks to the pan, it is not ready and needs to dry/cure longer.<ref name="rf2" /> |
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
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* Pick off weaker plants. They won't be strong enough to produce corn or even pollinate. | * Pick off weaker plants. They won't be strong enough to produce corn or even pollinate. | ||
* Consider planting corn in blocks rather than rows. Many farmers find that this help with pollination. | * Consider planting corn in blocks rather than rows. Many farmers find that this help with pollination. | ||
| − | * Try planting different types of popcorn. They come in all sorts of colors. They will all taste the same, but have different textures.<ref>http://agricultured.org/popcorn-varieties/</ref> | + | * Try planting different types of popcorn. They come in all sorts of colors. They will all taste the same, but have different textures.<ref name="rf10">http://agricultured.org/popcorn-varieties/</ref> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
