Popcorn

Poaceae

Harvested AFTER full maturity and drying — occupies space significantly longer than sweet corn. Plants 4-8 ft. Ears 4-8 inches. Block planting required (same as sweet corn). MUST isolate 250+ ft from sweet corn or stagger maturity. Post-harvest: dry 2-4 weeks, test-pop weekly (ideal 13-14% moisture). Kernels pop white regardless of hull color. Tom Thumb: 60 days (short season). Japanese Hulless: 85 days.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

85–120 days

Sun

6+ hours

Container

Not Ideal

Height

4–8 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Optimal Temp 65°F

Seed Depth 1"

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.5 "

Needs Moderate-high

Resilience

Heat: Medium Cold: Low Drought: Low

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Heavy feeder

Recommended Recipes Worm castings topdress, Compost tea, Fish emulsion

Harvest

Husks completely dry and brown. Kernels hard and glossy. Thumbnail test: if you can dent kernel, not ready.

Sources

university Iowa State Extension university WVU Extension university UMN Extension university USU Extension university UNH Extension university UMD Extension

More Vegetables

Popcorn Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Popcorn vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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