Can you grow corn from popcorn? Yes, you can, but it needs the right conditions and timing. The packet of popcorn seeds or kernels you buy to make your popcorn differs from the regular corn we eat or produce. Also, you can not grow corn out of popcorn itself.

However, Kernels or processed popcorn seeds can grow into corn plants after deprocessing. The deprocess is essential as the kernels are processed with factory preservatives & seasoning.

However, popcorn is made from corn grain or seed, which we have discussed further in our article. After drying, planting, and properly conditioning your kernels, you can grow corn out of your packaged popcorn. Our experts have explained the process, steps, and exact requirements in detail below:

Can You Grow Corn from Popcorn?

Popcorn kernels come from corn variant Zea mays everta or lab-created hybrid corn variant mixed up with Zea variant. The popular variant to grow popcorn worldwide is Zea mays everta.

Option 1: Pure Zea mays everta

Option 2: Hybrid

Requirements & Tips

Soil: At first, it’s essential to check the soil fertility. Zea mays everta variant grows best in soil with a pH level of 5.8 to 7. We recommend you prepare your garden or yard or farming area with organic phosphorus and in very infertile soil a bit of potassium. A great combination of rotted compost will do an excellent job for the ground to condition. We recommend not to use fresh manure while growing popcorn because the fresh bacteria will consume the popcorn kernels. As kernels are processed and dehydrated for commercial use, you have to put extra effort into preparing the soil.

Planting position: If you have planted anything previously, you are well aware of the term isolation. It means the distance of the seeds planted to each other. In the case of commercial popcorn kernels for corn-producing, you need at least 14 inches distance from each seed. Corns tend to grow out as larger plants that need space, whether from packaged popcorn or natural ones.

Seeding: Zea mays everta grow best when the soil reaches 15.56 °C. Again, kernels are dehydrated and need extra warmth, so seeding them at the right time is vital. Moreover, different bacteria and viruses can attack your popcorn kernels if the soil is cold. You can always use plastic mulch to increase the warming of the soil. It will take up to 120 days for your kernels to germinate and get ready to grow to the plant level.

Water: When you buy readymade popcorn seeds from the store, it is already seasoned and processed chemically. So, getting these corn plants needs lots of care and watering. Proper watering will help your kernels fast and in healthy condition. If you are planting the kernels in summer, then water every morning and evening, and for winter, once will do. But in the rainy season, water them twice a week if required. Sandy spill needs more watering than heavy clay soil.

Weeds: Before even planting your seeds, you must throw the useless weeds out. It will be best to do it with a hand tool. Kernels can not survive if there are weeds in your planting soil. Take off any weed from the roots and use herbicide trifluralin if the condition is severe.

Insects & pests: You can think that there’s no chance of developing any insects or pests as their kernels are processed. But in the de-process, you have already washed off the chemicalization, which makes your popcorn kernels as vulnerable as any other seeds. Corn earworms are regular, and to avoid these, you need to add insecticide just like normal corn planting. Also, always be aware of crows and different birds.

Can You Grow Corn from Store Bought Corn?

Plant popcorns, most popularly Orville Redenbacher’s, are the best ones to grow corn from popcorn kernels. The store’s garden section is suitable in the case of ready-to-eat ones. They are also able to make more corn. But it will take high effort as these are most hybrids and are processed way too much. These may sprout but are not great for large-scale farming.

Can You Grow Corn from Frozen Corn?

Corn is a resilient crop and can grow in frozen form. But whatever the variant it is, the corn variant needs proper conditioning, watering, and soiling which we have mentioned above as tips. However, if you fail to maintain the primary taking care of the frozen corns in initials, then pests can attack them.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

We know that your movies without popcorn are impossible. Also, corn items, especially sweetcorn, are a must dish on our Thanksgiving. The idea of growing your corn can be exciting. So there you have it, the answer to the question, can you grow corn from popcorn kernels? Yes, you can. But we would suggest going for the typical seed planting as it is easy.