Amish Butter Popcorn cobs arranged on a white background.
A close-up view of Amish Butter Popcorn.
Amish Butter Popcorn cobs stacked up on a dark background.
Amish Butter Popcorn cobs arranged on a white background.
A close-up view of Amish Butter Popcorn.
Amish Butter Popcorn cobs stacked up on a dark background.

Corn Seeds,
Amish Butter Popcorn

33 ReviewsSKU: #CN177
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Min. 75 seeds

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Description

(Zea mays) Popcorn. This buttery heirloom popcorn dates back to the 1800s and has been grown by the Pennsylvania Dutch for generations. The sturdy 8-foot stalks produce about 2 ears per plant, each about 4-6 inches long with small, round, nearly ivory kernels.

Growing Tips: To grow this popcorn successfully, start by ensuring your soil is well prepared. The soil should be well drained and rich in organic matter with a pH between 5.8 and 7.0. Adding compost or well-rotted manure before planting can greatly improve soil fertility. When planting, wait until the soil temperature reaches at least 60 F, as popcorn seeds require warm soil to germinate effectively. Cold soil can inhibit germination and stunt early growth. Amish Butter popcorn needs around 100 days to reach maturity.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Zea mays
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
6–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–10
Days to Maturity
100
Planting Depth
1–2 in.
Plant Spacing
12 in.
Ideal Temperature
60°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Popcorn should be planted into the richest soil available when soil temperatures reach about 60 degrees F, after all danger of frost is past. This timing varies depending on your region. In the Midwest, planting typically occurs around mid-May, while in milder climates, you can plant as early as mid-April. If you live in an area with a shorter growing season, consider starting the seeds indoors about 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost. This will give the plants a head start, and they can be transplanted outdoors once the danger of frost has passed​​. If you’re not sure how to find your area's first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

To sow Amish Butter popcorn, plant the seeds about 1-2 inches deep, adjusting the depth based on soil type—shallower planting for heavier soils and deeper for sandy soils. Space the plants about 12 inches apart, and ensure rows are spaced 18-24 inches apart to provide adequate room for growth and air circulation. Because corn is wind-pollinated, it's essential to plant in blocks of at least four rows rather than single rows to ensure effective pollination and robust ear development.

How to Grow

Corn has shallow roots, so regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells. As the plants grow, hilling up soil around the base of each stalk when they reach knee-high can help stabilize them and cover any exposed roots. Popcorn is also a heavy feeder, so applying a nitrogen-rich fertilizer at planting and again when the plants are about a foot tall can support strong growth​.

Weed control is essential to prevent competition for nutrients and water. Mulching can also help reduce the need for frequent weeding. Keep an eye out for pests such as corn earworms and European corn borers, and use appropriate treatments if infestations occur. Diseases like common smut and leaf rust can be managed with good garden hygiene and crop rotation​.

How to Save Seeds

  • Corn is wind pollinated and will easily cross with other varieties (including GMO corn!). You will need at least 1 mile of isolation to avoid cross pollination. You can also use staggered timing or caging techniques.
  • Hand pick ears when fully dried on stalk. Seeds keep best if left on the ear; just remove at planting time.
  • Sweet corn seeds will remain viable for 2 years; dent corn will last up to 5 years when properly stored.

FAQ

How long does it take for Amish Butter popcorn to mature?

Amish Butter Popcorn typically takes about 100 days to mature from planting to harvest. This variety requires a longer growing season compared to other types of corn.

Can I grow Amish Butter popcorn alongside other types of corn?

It is best to avoid growing popcorn near other types of corn, such as sweet corn or field corn, to prevent cross-pollination, which can negatively affect the quality and yield of both crops. If space is limited, you can isolate the plantings by time, planting the popcorn first and waiting a few weeks before planting other corn types.

How do I know when the popcorn is ready to harvest?

Popcorn is ready to pick when the husks are dry and papery and the kernels are hard and glossy. Cure the picked ears in a dry, airy place for 4-6 weeks, then test-pop a few kernels; if they are chewy or pop poorly, cure them longer before shelling the rest. Do not leave the ears standing in the field to dry.

Browse our full range of corn seeds.

Customer reviews

3 / 5 3 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Pops fluffy, hull-free: Fluffy white popcorn with no hard hulls and almost no duds.

  • Stands up to disease: Held up under leaf spot and blight pressure with no plants lost.

  • Heads up: The flavor is good but not actually buttery despite the name.

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