Can you grow corn from popcorn? Yes, you can, but it needs the right conditions and timing. The packet of popcorn seeds or kernels you buy to make your popcorn differs from the regular corn we eat or produce. Also, you can not grow corn out of popcorn itself.
However, Kernels or processed popcorn seeds can grow into corn plants after deprocessing. The deprocess is essential as the kernels are processed with factory preservatives & seasoning.
However, popcorn is made from corn grain or seed, which we have discussed further in our article. After drying, planting, and properly conditioning your kernels, you can grow corn out of your packaged popcorn. Our experts have explained the process, steps, and exact requirements in detail below:
Can You Grow Corn from Popcorn?
Popcorn kernels come from corn variant Zea mays everta or lab-created hybrid corn variant mixed up with Zea variant. The popular variant to grow popcorn worldwide is Zea mays everta.
Option 1: Pure Zea mays everta
- Purchase unflavoured plain popcorn kernels from market
- Germinate them using a damp sheet or even kitchen paper
- After germination, plant them as regular seeds in a three by three inches distance
- The rest process is like planting common crops.
Option 2: Hybrid
- Buy hybrid popcorn kennels
- Soak them in water in a bowl
- Put the kernels in a saran wrap and germinate
- Plant them in 14 inches or 3 x 3 inches distance
Requirements & Tips
Soil: At first, it’s essential to check the soil fertility. Zea mays everta variant grows best in soil with a pH level of 5.8 to 7. We recommend you prepare your garden or yard or farming area with organic phosphorus and in very infertile soil a bit of potassium. A great combination of rotted compost will do an excellent job for the ground to condition. We recommend not to use fresh manure while growing popcorn because the fresh bacteria will consume the popcorn kernels. As kernels are processed and dehydrated for commercial use, you have to put extra effort into preparing the soil.
Planting position: If you have planted anything previously, you are well aware of the term isolation. It means the distance of the seeds planted to each other. In the case of commercial popcorn kernels for corn-producing, you need at least 14 inches distance from each seed. Corns tend to grow out as larger plants that need space, whether from packaged popcorn or natural ones.
Seeding: Zea mays everta grow best when the soil reaches 15.56 °C. Again, kernels are dehydrated and need extra warmth, so seeding them at the right time is vital. Moreover, different bacteria and viruses can attack your popcorn kernels if the soil is cold. You can always use plastic mulch to increase the warming of the soil. It will take up to 120 days for your kernels to germinate and get ready to grow to the plant level.
Water: When you buy readymade popcorn seeds from the store, it is already seasoned and processed chemically. So, getting these corn plants needs lots of care and watering. Proper watering will help your kernels fast and in healthy condition. If you are planting the kernels in summer, then water every morning and evening, and for winter, once will do. But in the rainy season, water them twice a week if required. Sandy spill needs more watering than heavy clay soil.
Weeds: Before even planting your seeds, you must throw the useless weeds out. It will be best to do it with a hand tool. Kernels can not survive if there are weeds in your planting soil. Take off any weed from the roots and use herbicide trifluralin if the condition is severe.
Insects & pests: You can think that there’s no chance of developing any insects or pests as their kernels are processed. But in the de-process, you have already washed off the chemicalization, which makes your popcorn kernels as vulnerable as any other seeds. Corn earworms are regular, and to avoid these, you need to add insecticide just like normal corn planting. Also, always be aware of crows and different birds.
Can You Grow Corn from Store Bought Corn?
Plant popcorns, most popularly Orville Redenbacher’s, are the best ones to grow corn from popcorn kernels. The store’s garden section is suitable in the case of ready-to-eat ones. They are also able to make more corn. But it will take high effort as these are most hybrids and are processed way too much. These may sprout but are not great for large-scale farming.
Can You Grow Corn from Frozen Corn?
Corn is a resilient crop and can grow in frozen form. But whatever the variant it is, the corn variant needs proper conditioning, watering, and soiling which we have mentioned above as tips. However, if you fail to maintain the primary taking care of the frozen corns in initials, then pests can attack them.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can You Grow Popcorn from Popcorn Kernels?
Yes, you can. There are different types of kernels. But Zea mays everta origin kernels that are best for healthy planting.
Can You Plant Popcorn Seeds from The Grocery Store?
Most will tell you can not, but the answer is you can. If the seeds are from the planting section, you can, but if you’re getting ready to eat, then the chances of sprouting are lower.
Can You Grow Corn from Store-Bought Corn on The Cob?
Just fill the cob into one inch of water and place it on a sunny spot. In a few days, you’ll see tiny leaves grow.
Conclusion
We know that your movies without popcorn are impossible. Also, corn items, especially sweetcorn, are a must dish on our Thanksgiving. The idea of growing your corn can be exciting. So there you have it, the answer to the question, can you grow corn from popcorn kernels? Yes, you can. But we would suggest going for the typical seed planting as it is easy.
You Can Also Read:
- What Happens If You Plant Popcorn Seeds? Results Can Wonder You!
- Why Is My Cosmos Not Flowering- Know the Reason to Help It Bloom
- Why Are My Watermelon Plants Dying? Reasons with Remedies
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Often called Jason’s “better half” Shelley excels with her hands in the dirt. Growing up on a homestead in North Carolina gave Shelley a love for work and cultivation. Early in her career she cultivated minds inside a first grade classroom. Organic gardening has long been her passion and the internet age has allowed her to make it a side hustle. Shelley’s joy is made complete by sharing gardening tips with her friends, neighbors, and two grandsons.