Popcorn has become one of my very favorite crops to grow. This unassuming crop has many virtues you may not have considered. I’ve been mulling over the list of reasons to grow popcorn so that I can convince others to give it a try. I think I have a pretty good argument.
Popcorn is easy! Plant seed out in the spring once the soil has warmed, it needs little attention again until fall time. By the time popcorn is ready to harvest; everything else in the garden is slowing down and dying off. This allows me time to truly appreciate popcorn harvest day.
Unlike many popular garden favorites that can be overwhelming, popcorn can be picked all at once. That one harvest can yield enough popcorn for the family to enjoy for months or even years, no canning, processing or cooking necessary!
Popcorn is flexible! Simply let the ears dry down on the stalks, popcorn holds ups nicely on the plants until you find time to collect it. I always wait for one of those warm, sunny days in September when I’m looking for a reason to be out in the garden (thanks for the excuse, popcorn). Once harvested, the drying process continues. I’ve had success putting it into well ventilated bags or boxes and storing in the basement for about 2 months. Mice can be a problem, this year we are hanging bags from rafters in the barn, so far they have not found a way in. I shuck mine in late November to early December, it’s a nice chore to have when the days are cold and dark. Popcorn can be stored in an airtight container for years once it is shucked.
Everyone loves popcorn! One of my son’s first words was “bop-bop” (popcorn). He used to dance around the kitchen in his footie pajamas and sing “bop-bop, bop-bop, bop-bop” while the popcorn was pinging in the pan. I share much anticipated jars of home grown popcorn for Christmas gifts and bring it to parties for the host. The dog eagerly cleans up the floor of any stray pieces and the chickens go crazy for both un-popped kernels and leftover popcorn.
It’s beautiful! Popcorn harvest conveniently coincides with fall decorating season. After harvesting, I cut back the stalks, bundle them up and decorate around the outside of the house. Instead of growing decorative corn, I tie together a few cobs of corn and decorate with it while it’s drying down. This year I grew our Gurney’s Mauveless, it is truly gorgeous as a decorative piece and tastes amazing.