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Popcorn Seeds

Popcorn seeds aren’t just for eating; they also germinate into a maize plant that allows you to grow even more popcorn! When heated, the seeds pop open, revealing a fluffy, tasty snack. This variety of corn is grown specifically for the popping kernels. It thrives in full sun, requesting well-drained soil. Popcorn needs consistent moisture to develop its distinctive ears. These plants are grown as annuals. They reach heights surpassing six feet, depending on the variety.
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Survival Garden Seeds offers quality popcorn seeds for planting, known for their excellent popping and robust flavors. Our non-GMO seeds are selected for their high germination and ability to produce bountiful crops.

Growing Popcorn Seeds in Your Garden

  • Delicious, poppable kernels
  • Full sun-loving plants
  • Non-GMO, heirloom seeds
  • Ideal for home gardeners

INTRODUCING POPCORN SEEDS

Popcorn is distinguished from other corn varieties by its hard outer shell. It also has a dense, starchy interior which allows it to pop when heated. Cultivated by many Native American tribes for thousands of years, this crop has spread everywhere and is a favored snack worldwide. Popcorn grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 13 and needs a warm growing season and loads of sun to mature fully.

HOW TO PLANT POPCORN SEEDS

Sow popcorn plant seeds directly in the garden spot. Wait until the danger of frost has passed and the soil is warmed up, usually in late spring. Plant seeds 1 inch deep, spacing them apart 9 to 12 inches. Distance in rows should be 2 to 3 feet. Popcorn requires similar conditions as sweet corn. If you are planting both varieties, plant them separately as they are wind-pollinated. Cross-pollination may happen, which affects the quality of the kernels.

MAINTAINING POPCORN PLANTS

Popcorn plants need consistent watering, especially during germination and the kernels’ development. They are heavy feeders, so keep in mind to provide fertile soil, adding matured manure or compost when planting. Like other varieties of corn, popcorn is susceptible to pests (corn earworm). Diseases such as smut can occur as well, so regular monitoring is important. Harvest the ears after the husks have dried and the kernels have hardened. This is typically in late summer or early fall.

Prepare a snack harvested from your backyard! Get Survival Garden Seeds' popcorn seeds, and start growing this ancient crop. It will be a rewarding undertaking, as you pop the seeds and enjoy their tasty flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds are the types of seeds your grandparents grew. These varieties have been passed down from generation to generation. They’re old reliable open-pollinated varieties that aren’t typically grown commercially. Instead, they have a rich history that predates modern breeding techniques. You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

How do I know my seeds are fresh?

Every seed packet includes a "packed for" date, and we germination test each seed lot before packaging to ensure you receive viable, high-quality seeds that are ready to grow.

Are your seeds chemically treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our seeds. All of our garden seeds are untreated, open-pollinated, non-GMO, and heirloom varieties. They are kept in temperature-controlled cooler storage until they are packed and shipped to keep them pest and disease-free.

Will your seeds grow in my USDA Hardiness zone?

The seeds in our collections are specifically chosen from varieties that can be successfully grown from Zone 3 to Zone 10 USDA Hardiness Zones. However, individual varieties have specific needs to thrive in different environments. Each seed pack has optimal temperatures for germination and instructions on seed starting. Consult local frost dates to plan your garden and get the most out of your seeds.

What is the shelf life of these garden seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly. Check your seed packet for specific varieties. For best results, keep your seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store them in an airtight container in a consistent temperature environment—a refrigerator or cool basement works well. Proper storage helps maintain germination rates and extends seed life well beyond the packed date.

Where are Survival Garden Seeds sourced?

The majority of our seeds are sourced in the United States, with a few exceptions when the seed is difficult to source domestically. Whenever we do have to source outside of the US, we ensure our seeds are safe to grow, non-GMO, heirloom varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.

Learn more in the blog

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