How to Grow Popcorn
Get Your Exact Popcorn Planting Dates
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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need
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🌿 Plant Overview
☀️ Growing Requirements
☀️
Sun
Full Sun (6-8 hours)
💧
Water
Regular (1-2 inches/week)
↔️
Spacing
12" apart
🌱
Depth
1" deep
📏
Height
48-84"
🌱
Germination
7-10 days
Ready to Grow Popcorn?
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🌾 Seed Saving Guide
🔴 DifficultWhen to Harvest Seed
Let ears dry completely on the stalk past frost. Kernels should be rock-hard before harvesting.
Processing
Husk dried ears, shell kernels, cure 6–8 weeks in a warm, ventilated space before sealing in containers.
Seed Viability
Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Wind-pollinated — requires 1000-foot isolation from sweet corn and other corn types. Under-dried popcorn won't pop.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 32 plants of Popcorn. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Popcorn Planting Calendar by Zone
Popcorn Planting Calendar by State
Other Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Popcorn? +
Sow Popcorn seeds directly in the garden 2 weeks after your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.
How long does Popcorn take to grow? +
Popcorn typically matures in about 100 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Popcorn indoors or direct sow? +
Popcorn does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.
How much sun does Popcorn need? +
Popcorn requires full sun (6-8 hours) to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Popcorn? +
Space Popcorn plants 12 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Popcorn need? +
Popcorn has regular (1-2 inches/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Popcorn? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Popcorn is rated difficult. Let ears dry completely on the stalk past frost. Kernels should be rock-hard before harvesting. Husk dried ears, shell kernels, cure 6–8 weeks in a warm, ventilated space before sealing in containers.
How long do Popcorn seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Popcorn seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Popcorn seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Popcorn is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Popcorn
Grow your own popcorn! Dried and popped at home for superior flavor. Plant in blocks of 4+ rows for pollination. Must be isolated from sweet corn.
Expect your Popcorn to be ready for harvest in approximately 100 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.