Early Pink Popcorn (100 Days)

Baby-sized mauve pink ears are 3-5” long with stalks growing up to 7’. The Early Pink Popcorn is a fun, uncommon variety to grow, and the kernels when popped are delicious, having a bit of a nutty taste. Even if you don’t like popcorn it can be used creatively in crafts and arrangements.

100 seeds

PLANTING

Zea mays

Germination: 7-14 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 60-85ºF. Planting in soil under 60ºF results in poor germination.

Seed Sowing Depth: 1” deep

Sowing Outdoors: In late spring, after the last frost date, when the soil reaches at least 60ºF. Sow 4-6” apart, thin to 10-12” apart. Plant in blocks, 4-5 rows, 24-36” apart to aid with pollination. Corn is pollinated by wind therefore planting in blocks ensures proper pollination rather than one long single row where the pollen can easily blow away resulting in small, poorly filled-out ears.

How much does a packet plant: 30-40 foot single row, block of 5 rows at 8 foot.

Harvest: Ready for picking 2 1/2 - 3 weeks after silks appear. Silks become dry and brown. The kernels should be plump and full—test by pressing your fingertip into a kernel, looking for a "milky" appearance. Best picked in the morning and refrigerated/cool right away.

Harvest Dent or Ornamental Corn: When husks become dried or after one or two frosts. 

Harvest Popcorn: When ears are mature, kernels appear shiny and hard. Remove the husk and let the ears dry for a few weeks. Test pop kernels after a few weeks to see if they are dry enough. Store popcorn by removing kernels or leaving them on the ears. 

Tips: The Early Pink Popcorn needs an abundance of nitrogen. Add manure (in the fall) or rich compost a few weeks before planting. Add a high-nitrogen organic fertilizer every few weeks until tassels form. Keep well weeded, especially when they are seedlings and well watered, 1 inch a week, especially during the silk stage.