Corn Seeds, Amish Butter Popcorn

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3
3 Reviews
Sku:
#CN177
Min. seed count:
75
$4.00

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.

  • 100 days to maturity
  • 6-12 hours of sun
  • Soil Temperature: at least 60 F
  • Sprouts in 7-10 days
  • Ideal Temperature: 75-80 F
  • Seed Depth: 1-2"
  • Plant Spacing: 12"
  • Frost Hardy: No

Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs

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.

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​​.

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

  • 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 harvest when the husks have dried and the kernels are hard and glossy. You can test the readiness by popping a few kernels; if they pop well, the rest of the crop is ready. If they do not pop or are chewy, allow them to dry longer before harvesting the entire crop​​.

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Corn Seeds, Amish Butter Popcorn
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