Dark reddish-black ears are quite attractive for fall decorations or popping into tasty popcorn! This variety is easy to grow and does well in almost all growing climates. Fun for children’s gardens.

HARVEST

Popcorn should be left on the stalk until fully mature.  Harvest the ears when the husks are brown and the kernels are hard and shiny.  After harvest, remove the husks and place the ears in a mesh bag and hang the popcorn in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location for a few weeks.  After drying the popcorn for 2 to 3 weeks, remove an ear of popcorn.  Shell a portion of the ear and pop the kernels.  If the kernels contain too much moisture, the popped corn will be small, rough, and “chewy.”  Allow the popcorn to dry for another week.  Then shell and test pop a few additional kernels.  When the kernels pop well, shell the remainder of the popcorn.  The chaff can be removed by pouring the kernels from one container to another outdoors, allowing the wind to remove the debris.  After the popcorn has been cleaned, store the kernels in airtight containers. 

GROWING

Full Sun

Grows 48-72 inches tall.

Space 12” inches apart

NOTES

Plant in block to improve pollination, or hand pollinate small groups.