(Zea Mays 'Strawberry Red')
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Strawberry Red Popcorn is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Mexico, but is commonly grown in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 5-6' and features two or three, 2-3" ears with burgundy-red kernels. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, and is edible.
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Zea
Species: mays
Variety: Strawberry Red Popcorn
Native to: Mexico
Introduced into: Afghanistan, Alabama, Albania, Aldabra, Algeria, Amur, Andaman Is., Angola, Argentina Northeast, Arizona, Arkansas, Aruba, Assam, Austria, Azores, Bahamas, Baleares, Baltic States, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bismarck Archipelago, Bolivia, Borneo, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Bulgaria, Burkina, Burundi, California, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canary Is., Caroline Is., Cayman Is., Central African Repu, Central European Rus, Chad, Chagos Archipelago, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Christmas I., Colombia, Colorado, Comoros, Connecticut, Corse, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, East European Russia, East Himalaya, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Florida, France, French Guiana, Galápagos, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Great Britain, Greece, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gulf of Guinea Is., Hainan, Haiti, Hawaii, Honduras, Hungary, Idaho, Illinois, India, Indiana, Iowa, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Jawa, Kansas, Kazakhstan, Kentucky, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Korea, Kriti, Krym, Laos, Leeward Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Louisiana, Madagascar, Maine, Malaya, Mali, Maluku, Manchuria, Marianas, Marshall Is., Maryland, Massachusetts, Mauritius, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nansei-shoto, Nebraska, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, Nevada, New Caledonia, New Guinea, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Carolina, North Caucasus, Northwest European R, Ohio, Oman, Ontario, Oregon, Pakistan, Panamá, Pennsylvania, Philippines, Pitcairn Is., Poland, Portugal, Primorye, Puerto Rico, Queensland, Québec, Rhode I., Rodrigues, Romania, Rwanda, Réunion, Sakhalin, Samoa, Sardegna, Seychelles, Sicilia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Carolina, South European Russi, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Tanzania, Tennessee, Texas, Thailand, Togo, Transcaucasus, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkey-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uruguay, Utah, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuelan Antilles, Vermont, Vietnam, Virginia, Wake I., Washington, West Himalaya, West Virginia, Western Australia, Windward Is., Wisconsin, Wyoming, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zaïre.
Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Annual
Days to Maturity: Spring/Summer 100 days
Hardiness: Tender. Corn is a tropical grass and needs warm weather. It is not at all hardy.
Crops: Spring Transplant, Spring, Summer
Growing Season: Long
Cultivar Type: Late
Growing Conditions: Warm, Hot. Corn is a sub-tropical plant and uses C4 photosynthesis, which enables it to grow more efficiently in high heat and light levels. It needs warm weather and as much sunlight as it can get. Sweet Corn can be grown in an intensive bed, but it must be in a large block for best pollination. There must be at least a group of 12 plants to insure good pollination. It is a tall growing plant, so must be planted where it won't shade other plants.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 50°F - 95°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 60°F. Corn needs a warm soil for good germination. It will take 3 weeks to germinate at 50 degrees, but only 4 days at 80 degrees.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: Yes.
Light: Full Sun. Min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot). Corn uses an especially efficient form of photosynthesis that enables it to grow rapidly in the high intensity light and heat of the tropics. It should be placed in the sunniest spot in the garden.
Water: Medium. The best way to irrigate is with a soaker hose or a drip system. Don't use sprinklers during the pollen shedding stage, as it may affect pollination.
Feeder: Heavy: Corn is a notoriously hungry plant, which isn't surprising when you consider how fast it can grow. For best growth it needs generous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as all of the other plant nutrients.
Suitability: High heat, Needs lots of space.
Small Gardens?: No
Containers?: Yes, but will need a large one, like a half wine barrel It is possible to grow corn in a large container of fertile soil, but it's probably not worthwhile. Be aware that you won't get much for the space it takes up, and you will have to hand pollinate such a small number of plants.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Maintenance: Medium
Plant Height: 5-6'
Spacing: 6-8"
Sow Depth: 1-4"
Produces: two or three, 2-3" ears with brilliant burgundy kernels.
Hardiness Zone: 2-11
Garden Uses: As one of the most important food crops, corn is grown for both human and domestic animal consumption. It is valued in the home garden for its superior flavor compared to that of store-bought. Corn is also used as ornamentals in seasonal decorations.
Genus: Zea
Species: mays
Variety: Strawberry Red Popcorn
Native to: Mexico
Introduced into: Afghanistan, Alabama, Albania, Aldabra, Algeria, Amur, Andaman Is., Angola, Argentina Northeast, Arizona, Arkansas, Aruba, Assam, Austria, Azores, Bahamas, Baleares, Baltic States, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bismarck Archipelago, Bolivia, Borneo, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Bulgaria, Burkina, Burundi, California, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canary Is., Caroline Is., Cayman Is., Central African Repu, Central European Rus, Chad, Chagos Archipelago, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Christmas I., Colombia, Colorado, Comoros, Connecticut, Corse, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, East European Russia, East Himalaya, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Florida, France, French Guiana, Galápagos, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Great Britain, Greece, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gulf of Guinea Is., Hainan, Haiti, Hawaii, Honduras, Hungary, Idaho, Illinois, India, Indiana, Iowa, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Jawa, Kansas, Kazakhstan, Kentucky, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Korea, Kriti, Krym, Laos, Leeward Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Louisiana, Madagascar, Maine, Malaya, Mali, Maluku, Manchuria, Marianas, Marshall Is., Maryland, Massachusetts, Mauritius, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nansei-shoto, Nebraska, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, Nevada, New Caledonia, New Guinea, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Carolina, North Caucasus, Northwest European R, Ohio, Oman, Ontario, Oregon, Pakistan, Panamá, Pennsylvania, Philippines, Pitcairn Is., Poland, Portugal, Primorye, Puerto Rico, Queensland, Québec, Rhode I., Rodrigues, Romania, Rwanda, Réunion, Sakhalin, Samoa, Sardegna, Seychelles, Sicilia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Carolina, South European Russi, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Tanzania, Tennessee, Texas, Thailand, Togo, Transcaucasus, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkey-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uruguay, Utah, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuelan Antilles, Vermont, Vietnam, Virginia, Wake I., Washington, West Himalaya, West Virginia, Western Australia, Windward Is., Wisconsin, Wyoming, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zaïre.
Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Annual
Days to Maturity: Spring/Summer 100 days
Hardiness: Tender. Corn is a tropical grass and needs warm weather. It is not at all hardy.
Crops: Spring Transplant, Spring, Summer
Growing Season: Long
Cultivar Type: Late
Growing Conditions: Warm, Hot. Corn is a sub-tropical plant and uses C4 photosynthesis, which enables it to grow more efficiently in high heat and light levels. It needs warm weather and as much sunlight as it can get. Sweet Corn can be grown in an intensive bed, but it must be in a large block for best pollination. There must be at least a group of 12 plants to insure good pollination. It is a tall growing plant, so must be planted where it won't shade other plants.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 50°F - 95°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 60°F. Corn needs a warm soil for good germination. It will take 3 weeks to germinate at 50 degrees, but only 4 days at 80 degrees.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: Yes.
Light: Full Sun. Min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot). Corn uses an especially efficient form of photosynthesis that enables it to grow rapidly in the high intensity light and heat of the tropics. It should be placed in the sunniest spot in the garden.
Water: Medium. The best way to irrigate is with a soaker hose or a drip system. Don't use sprinklers during the pollen shedding stage, as it may affect pollination.
Feeder: Heavy: Corn is a notoriously hungry plant, which isn't surprising when you consider how fast it can grow. For best growth it needs generous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as all of the other plant nutrients.
Suitability: High heat, Needs lots of space.
Small Gardens?: No
Containers?: Yes, but will need a large one, like a half wine barrel It is possible to grow corn in a large container of fertile soil, but it's probably not worthwhile. Be aware that you won't get much for the space it takes up, and you will have to hand pollinate such a small number of plants.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Maintenance: Medium
Plant Height: 5-6'
Spacing: 6-8"
Sow Depth: 1-4"
Produces: two or three, 2-3" ears with brilliant burgundy kernels.
Hardiness Zone: 2-11
Garden Uses: As one of the most important food crops, corn is grown for both human and domestic animal consumption. It is valued in the home garden for its superior flavor compared to that of store-bought. Corn is also used as ornamentals in seasonal decorations.
Soil Preparation
Soil Preference:
Soil pH: 5.5-7.0, Ideal 6.0-6.8. Corn will grow well in a variety of soils, but it is a hungry plant and needs a lot of nutrients for maximum production. The ideal soil is rich, moisture retentive and well drained.
Soil Preparation:
Compost (Nitrogen), 2" in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Incorporate 2˝ of compost or aged manure into the top 6˝ of soil.
Standard Mix, 5 pounds per 100 sq. ft., in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Standard Mix should be incorporated into the top 6" of soil along with the compost. It will supply any additional nutrients the plants may require. This is a mix of various amendments intended to supply all of the nutrients plants may require. It is usually incorporated into the soil prior to planting. The mix consists of:
Mix these together thoroughly. You can do this all at once, or you can store them separately and mix as needed.
Soil pH: 5.5-7.0, Ideal 6.0-6.8. Corn will grow well in a variety of soils, but it is a hungry plant and needs a lot of nutrients for maximum production. The ideal soil is rich, moisture retentive and well drained.
Soil Preparation:
Compost (Nitrogen), 2" in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Incorporate 2˝ of compost or aged manure into the top 6˝ of soil.
Standard Mix, 5 pounds per 100 sq. ft., in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Standard Mix should be incorporated into the top 6" of soil along with the compost. It will supply any additional nutrients the plants may require. This is a mix of various amendments intended to supply all of the nutrients plants may require. It is usually incorporated into the soil prior to planting. The mix consists of:
- 4 parts cottonseed meal (this is high in nitrogen and relatively inexpensive)
- 2 parts colloidal phosphate or bone meal (for phosphorus)
- 2 parts wood ash or 3 parts greensand or granite dust (for potassium)
- 1 part dolomitic limestone (to balance pH and add calcium and magnesium)
- 1 part kelp meal (for trace elements)
Mix these together thoroughly. You can do this all at once, or you can store them separately and mix as needed.
Start Indoors
Seed Sowing Depth: 1.0" to 4.0". In spring when the soil is cool it should be planted only 1" deep. Later in the year, when the soil is warm, it may be planted as deep as 4".
Soil temp for germination: 50°F to 105°F, optimal 60°F to 95°F, optimal 95°F
Total weeks to grow transplant: 12 to 14 (Spring/Summer), (Fall/Winter)
Germinate:
3-4 weeks before last frost date: Very early Corn: Corn can be started indoors, in cell packs, soil blocks or plug trays. However this is only worthwhile for very early Corn, in exceptionally short or early cool growing conditions, or to avoid predators such as birds and mice. Sow 2 seeds in each cell or block and thin to the best one when they have all emerged. If germination is very good, you might just plant one seed per cell. The seedlings grow rapidly and will get root-bound if left in their containers for too long. Ideally they should be out of their pots and in the ground, within 3 to 4 weeks.
Soil temp for germination: 50°F to 105°F, optimal 60°F to 95°F, optimal 95°F
Total weeks to grow transplant: 12 to 14 (Spring/Summer), (Fall/Winter)
Germinate:
3-4 weeks before last frost date: Very early Corn: Corn can be started indoors, in cell packs, soil blocks or plug trays. However this is only worthwhile for very early Corn, in exceptionally short or early cool growing conditions, or to avoid predators such as birds and mice. Sow 2 seeds in each cell or block and thin to the best one when they have all emerged. If germination is very good, you might just plant one seed per cell. The seedlings grow rapidly and will get root-bound if left in their containers for too long. Ideally they should be out of their pots and in the ground, within 3 to 4 weeks.
Transplant Outdoors
On Last Frost Date: A couple of weeks before planting out, you should prepare the planting bed and lay down black plastic to warm it up. Plant the seedlings on the last frost date and cover with row covers, or cloches, to keep them warm until the weather warms up.
Warm, Hot: Corn is a sub-tropical plant and uses C4 photosynthesis, which enables it to grow more efficiently in high heat and light levels. It needs warm weather and as much sunlight as it can get. Sweet Corn can be grown in an intensive bed, but it must be in a large block for best pollination. There must be at least a group of 12 plants to insure good pollination. It is a tall growing plant, so must be planted where it won't shade other plants.
When outdoor temp: 50°F to 95°F, optimal temp 60°F to 75°F
When min soil temp: 60°F. Corn needs a warm soil for good germination. It will take 3 weeks to germinate at 50 degrees, but only 4 days at 80 degrees.
Spacing: 6"-8", 2 plants per sq ft. Row planting: Corn is usually planted in rows but to ensure good pollination (which means full ears), it is important that the rows be in blocks. These should consist of at least four rows each. Put the plants 8" apart in the rows, with 24 to 36" between the rows.
Intensive Beds: Plant in offsets rows across the bed. The distance apart depends upon the soil: 18" (poor soil) 15" (average soil) 12" (excellent soil).
Support: No
Warm, Hot: Corn is a sub-tropical plant and uses C4 photosynthesis, which enables it to grow more efficiently in high heat and light levels. It needs warm weather and as much sunlight as it can get. Sweet Corn can be grown in an intensive bed, but it must be in a large block for best pollination. There must be at least a group of 12 plants to insure good pollination. It is a tall growing plant, so must be planted where it won't shade other plants.
When outdoor temp: 50°F to 95°F, optimal temp 60°F to 75°F
When min soil temp: 60°F. Corn needs a warm soil for good germination. It will take 3 weeks to germinate at 50 degrees, but only 4 days at 80 degrees.
Spacing: 6"-8", 2 plants per sq ft. Row planting: Corn is usually planted in rows but to ensure good pollination (which means full ears), it is important that the rows be in blocks. These should consist of at least four rows each. Put the plants 8" apart in the rows, with 24 to 36" between the rows.
Intensive Beds: Plant in offsets rows across the bed. The distance apart depends upon the soil: 18" (poor soil) 15" (average soil) 12" (excellent soil).
Support: No
Start Outdoors
When Warm, Hot: Corn is a sub-tropical plant and uses C4 photosynthesis, which enables it to grow more efficiently in high heat and light levels. It needs warm weather and as much sunlight as it can get. Sweet Corn can be grown in an intensive bed, but it must be in a large block for best pollination. There must be at least a group of 12 plants to insure good pollination. It is a tall growing plant, so must be planted where it won't shade other plants.
When outdoor temp: 50°F to 95°F, optimal temp 60°F to 75°F
When min soil temp: 60°F. Corn needs a warm soil for good germination. It will take 3 weeks to germinate at 50 degrees, but only 4 days at 80 degrees.
Seed Depth: 1.0"-4.0". In spring when the soil is cool it should be planted only 1" deep. Later in the year, when the soil is warm, it may be planted as deep as 4".
Spacing: 6"-8", 2 plants per sq ft. Row planting: Corn is usually planted in rows but to ensure good pollination (which means full ears), it is important that the rows be in blocks. These should consist of at least four rows each. Put the plants 8" apart in the rows, with 24 to 36" between the rows.
Intensive Beds: Plant in offsets rows across the bed. The distance apart depends upon the soil: 18" (poor soil) 15" (average soil) 12" (excellent soil).
Spring Crop: 2-7 weeks after last frost date. Corn is almost always direct sown, because it grows fast, doesn’t like transplanting and it is less work.
1. To get the plants off to a good start, you might soak the seeds overnight prior to planting. For an even faster start you could pre-germinate them, but be careful not to break the brittle roots.
2. In spring when the soil is cool it should be planted only 1˝ deep.
Summer Crop: 8-12 weeks after last frost date. Corn is usually direct sown, because it grows fast, doesn’t like transplanting and it is less work.
1. To get the plants off to a good start, you might soak the seeds overnight prior to planting. For an even faster start you could pre-germinate them, but be careful not to break the brittle roots.
2. Later in the year, when the soil is warm, corn may be planted as deep as 4˝.
Support: No
When outdoor temp: 50°F to 95°F, optimal temp 60°F to 75°F
When min soil temp: 60°F. Corn needs a warm soil for good germination. It will take 3 weeks to germinate at 50 degrees, but only 4 days at 80 degrees.
Seed Depth: 1.0"-4.0". In spring when the soil is cool it should be planted only 1" deep. Later in the year, when the soil is warm, it may be planted as deep as 4".
Spacing: 6"-8", 2 plants per sq ft. Row planting: Corn is usually planted in rows but to ensure good pollination (which means full ears), it is important that the rows be in blocks. These should consist of at least four rows each. Put the plants 8" apart in the rows, with 24 to 36" between the rows.
Intensive Beds: Plant in offsets rows across the bed. The distance apart depends upon the soil: 18" (poor soil) 15" (average soil) 12" (excellent soil).
Spring Crop: 2-7 weeks after last frost date. Corn is almost always direct sown, because it grows fast, doesn’t like transplanting and it is less work.
1. To get the plants off to a good start, you might soak the seeds overnight prior to planting. For an even faster start you could pre-germinate them, but be careful not to break the brittle roots.
2. In spring when the soil is cool it should be planted only 1˝ deep.
Summer Crop: 8-12 weeks after last frost date. Corn is usually direct sown, because it grows fast, doesn’t like transplanting and it is less work.
1. To get the plants off to a good start, you might soak the seeds overnight prior to planting. For an even faster start you could pre-germinate them, but be careful not to break the brittle roots.
2. Later in the year, when the soil is warm, corn may be planted as deep as 4˝.
Support: No
Corn is fairly easy to grow if it has warm conditions and enough nutrients, light and water. You then just have to make sure it gets pollinated properly. You need to be growing enough corn plants in a block to ensure good pollination, a minimum block of 4 feet.
Water Needs: Moderate. The best way to irrigate is with a soaker hose or a drip system. Don't use sprinklers during the pollen shedding stage, as it may affect pollination.
Fertilizer Needs: Heavy. Corn is a notoriously hungry plant, which isn't surprising when you consider how fast it can grow. For best growth it needs generous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as all of the other plant nutrients.
Watering, regularly: Water, 0.5 inches, regularly, 2 times a week. Sweet Corn is a thirsty plant so water it regularly.
Water is especially crucial during tasselling and subsequent ear maturation, so make sure they get enough water at this time. Watering also depends on your local weather; don't water if it's raining, or water more frequently if it's dry. Just be sure to keep soil moist for the best crop. The best way to know how much moisture is in your soil is to feel 2" below the soil line. If it's dry, water.
Weeding, after sowing: after sowing, every 2 weeks. It is important to weed the plants carefully until they reach 12" in height. You can use a hoe for this, as they don’t have shallow roots. Once the plants are growing well no weed on earth can compete with them.
Thinning, when 3" tall: 8 inches apart, when 3" tall, 1 time. Plant twice as many seeds as you need and thin to the recommended spacing when they are several inches high.
Side Dressing, when 12" tall: Compost tea, 5 gallon(s) per 100 sq. ft., when 12in tall, 1 time. It is a good idea to give the young plants a boost of nitrogen, such as compost tea, when the seedlings are about 12˝ tall and growing rapidly.
Side Dressing, at early fruit set: Compost tea, 5 gallon(s) per 100 sq. ft., at early fruit set, 1 time. Give them another dose of compost tea when the silks appear, for that final burst of growth.
Support: No
Water Needs: Moderate. The best way to irrigate is with a soaker hose or a drip system. Don't use sprinklers during the pollen shedding stage, as it may affect pollination.
Fertilizer Needs: Heavy. Corn is a notoriously hungry plant, which isn't surprising when you consider how fast it can grow. For best growth it needs generous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as all of the other plant nutrients.
Watering, regularly: Water, 0.5 inches, regularly, 2 times a week. Sweet Corn is a thirsty plant so water it regularly.
Water is especially crucial during tasselling and subsequent ear maturation, so make sure they get enough water at this time. Watering also depends on your local weather; don't water if it's raining, or water more frequently if it's dry. Just be sure to keep soil moist for the best crop. The best way to know how much moisture is in your soil is to feel 2" below the soil line. If it's dry, water.
Weeding, after sowing: after sowing, every 2 weeks. It is important to weed the plants carefully until they reach 12" in height. You can use a hoe for this, as they don’t have shallow roots. Once the plants are growing well no weed on earth can compete with them.
Thinning, when 3" tall: 8 inches apart, when 3" tall, 1 time. Plant twice as many seeds as you need and thin to the recommended spacing when they are several inches high.
Side Dressing, when 12" tall: Compost tea, 5 gallon(s) per 100 sq. ft., when 12in tall, 1 time. It is a good idea to give the young plants a boost of nitrogen, such as compost tea, when the seedlings are about 12˝ tall and growing rapidly.
Side Dressing, at early fruit set: Compost tea, 5 gallon(s) per 100 sq. ft., at early fruit set, 1 time. Give them another dose of compost tea when the silks appear, for that final burst of growth.
Support: No
Harvesting
Ripening:
Harvest the ears when husks have dried and kernels are plump, well-colored, and shiny.
Harvest the ears when husks have dried and kernels are plump, well-colored, and shiny.
Storage
Old fashioned open pollinated sweet corn starts to deteriorate as soon as it is picked, hence the (somewhat tongue in cheek) advice to have the water boiling before going out to pick. The best way to store sweet corn is to remove it from the husk and freeze it in plastic bags.
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 32°F
Storage Length: 1-360 days
The newer super sweet hybrids stay sweet much longer and can be kept in the fridge for several days. Ears of corn in their husks can be kept in the refrigerator for a couple days. The sooner you eat them, the better.
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 1-5 days
Field corn or flower corn used for making corn meal and other corn products. The dry ears can be stored whole (they are quite decorative), but the seed takes up less space if you remove it from the ears. Make absolutely sure the seed is completely dry before storing it, otherwise it will go moldy.
Storage Req: Dry
Storage Temp: 60-70°F
Storage Length: 1-360 days
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 32°F
Storage Length: 1-360 days
The newer super sweet hybrids stay sweet much longer and can be kept in the fridge for several days. Ears of corn in their husks can be kept in the refrigerator for a couple days. The sooner you eat them, the better.
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 1-5 days
Field corn or flower corn used for making corn meal and other corn products. The dry ears can be stored whole (they are quite decorative), but the seed takes up less space if you remove it from the ears. Make absolutely sure the seed is completely dry before storing it, otherwise it will go moldy.
Storage Req: Dry
Storage Temp: 60-70°F
Storage Length: 1-360 days
Taste:
Makes great popcorn!
Culinary Use:
Popcorn isn't just for popcorn - it can also be ground into cornmeal and used as a flour.
Makes great popcorn!
Culinary Use:
Popcorn isn't just for popcorn - it can also be ground into cornmeal and used as a flour.
Companion Planting
Allies: The benefits of planting corn with beans has been upheld by scientific research, which showed increased yields when corn was grown with a legume. One study points out that an interplanting of soybeans encourages parasitic Trichogramma wasps, which help control corn earworms. Soybeans or peanuts also increase populations of predatory insects, which help reduce the number of corn borers. Beans and corn are mutually beneficial: Beans help keep fall armyworms in check on corn, notes one study, while corn minimizes leafhoppers on bean plants. Alternate rows of corn and bush beans, two rows of corn to one row of beans. Or plant pole beans to climb corn rows.
Companions: Sunflower borders were a tradition in American Indian gardens. British research indicates that strips of sunflowers alternated with corn will increase yields and
decrease infestations of all armyworms. Squash and pumpkins do well in the shade of the corn rows.
Enemies: The weed quack grass (Agropyron repens) appears to make nitrogen and potassium unavailable to corn, even when the area is heavily fertilized. Leached toxins from wheat straw mulch reduced corn yields in farm research by 44-94 percent.
Companions: Sunflower borders were a tradition in American Indian gardens. British research indicates that strips of sunflowers alternated with corn will increase yields and
decrease infestations of all armyworms. Squash and pumpkins do well in the shade of the corn rows.
Enemies: The weed quack grass (Agropyron repens) appears to make nitrogen and potassium unavailable to corn, even when the area is heavily fertilized. Leached toxins from wheat straw mulch reduced corn yields in farm research by 44-94 percent.
Problems
The most common pests include corn borers, flea beetles, and cutworms. Animal pests can be serious once ears develop. Clean garden practices, crop rotation, and planting resistant strains are generally the best defense.
Corn Borers
Beneficial insects such as Green lacewings, Ladybugs, Damsel bugs, Spiders and Hover fly larvae all prey on Corn Borers.
Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.
Ladybug: Preys on Aphids, Cabbage loopers, Leafhoppers, Whitefly, Spider mites, Fleas, Mealybug, and Colorado potato beetles.
To attract Ladybugs to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Calendula, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Cosmos, Dill, Fennel, Feverfew, Marigold, Statice, Sweet Alyssum, and Yarrow. You may also want to grow decoy crops to keep your ladybugs supplied with aphids to eat such as Early cabbage, Marigold, Nasturtium, and Radish. Without a food source, your ladybugs will be forced to leave which will leave your crops vulnerable.
Damsel Bugs: These true bugs are very common and abundant in farms, gardens and landscapes. They are generalist predators and both the adults and nymphs eat aphids, caterpillar eggs, small larvae, fleahoppers, lygus bugs, leafhoppers, treehoppers, spider mites, and other soft-bodied insects, especially on shorter growing plants. They are common in agricultural habitats, such as soybean, corn, and alfalfa. Damsel bugs are greyish brown in color and have grasping front legs. They are not commercially available.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, cabbage looper, and fruit flies.
To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, mulch for predatory spiders.
Hoverflies: Prey on aphids, scale insects, caterpillars, and Thrips.
To attract Hoverflies to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Carpet bugleweed (Ajuga reptans), Lavender globe lily (Allium tanguticum), Basket of Gold (Alyssum saxatilis), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Golden Marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Dwarf alpine aster (Aster alpinus), Masterwort (Astrantia major), Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), Caraway (Carum carvi), Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cosmos white sensation (Cosmos bipinnatus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum CA), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Poached egg plant (Limnanthes douglasii), Statice (Limonium latifolium), Butter and eggs (Linaria vulgaris), Edging lobelia (Lobelia erinus), Sweet alyssum white (Lobularia maritima), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Rocky Mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus), Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), Sulfur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta ‘warrenii’), Alpine cinquefoil (Potentilla villosa), Gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia fulgida), Orange stonecrop (Sedum kamtschaticum), Stonecrops (Sedum spurium), Peter Pan goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), Wood betony (Stachys officinalis), Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia), Crimson thyme (Thymus serpylum coccineus), Spike speedwell (Veronica spicata), Zinnia "liliput" (Zinnia elegans).
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.
Ladybug: Preys on Aphids, Cabbage loopers, Leafhoppers, Whitefly, Spider mites, Fleas, Mealybug, and Colorado potato beetles.
To attract Ladybugs to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Calendula, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Cosmos, Dill, Fennel, Feverfew, Marigold, Statice, Sweet Alyssum, and Yarrow. You may also want to grow decoy crops to keep your ladybugs supplied with aphids to eat such as Early cabbage, Marigold, Nasturtium, and Radish. Without a food source, your ladybugs will be forced to leave which will leave your crops vulnerable.
Damsel Bugs: These true bugs are very common and abundant in farms, gardens and landscapes. They are generalist predators and both the adults and nymphs eat aphids, caterpillar eggs, small larvae, fleahoppers, lygus bugs, leafhoppers, treehoppers, spider mites, and other soft-bodied insects, especially on shorter growing plants. They are common in agricultural habitats, such as soybean, corn, and alfalfa. Damsel bugs are greyish brown in color and have grasping front legs. They are not commercially available.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, cabbage looper, and fruit flies.
To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, mulch for predatory spiders.
Hoverflies: Prey on aphids, scale insects, caterpillars, and Thrips.
To attract Hoverflies to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Carpet bugleweed (Ajuga reptans), Lavender globe lily (Allium tanguticum), Basket of Gold (Alyssum saxatilis), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Golden Marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Dwarf alpine aster (Aster alpinus), Masterwort (Astrantia major), Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), Caraway (Carum carvi), Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cosmos white sensation (Cosmos bipinnatus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum CA), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Poached egg plant (Limnanthes douglasii), Statice (Limonium latifolium), Butter and eggs (Linaria vulgaris), Edging lobelia (Lobelia erinus), Sweet alyssum white (Lobularia maritima), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Rocky Mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus), Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), Sulfur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta ‘warrenii’), Alpine cinquefoil (Potentilla villosa), Gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia fulgida), Orange stonecrop (Sedum kamtschaticum), Stonecrops (Sedum spurium), Peter Pan goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), Wood betony (Stachys officinalis), Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia), Crimson thyme (Thymus serpylum coccineus), Spike speedwell (Veronica spicata), Zinnia "liliput" (Zinnia elegans).
Flea Beetles
Beneficial insects such as Braconid wasps, Tachinid flies, Lacewings larvae, Damsel bugs, and Big Eyed Bug all prey on Flea Beetles.
Braconid Wasps: Prey on Tobacco Hornworm, Tomato Hornworm, Caterpillars, Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Mexican Bean Beetles.
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Tachinid Flies: Preys on Gypsy Moths, Flea Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetles, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: Carrots, Dill, Coriander, and Buckwheat.
Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.
Damsel Bugs: Preys on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Flea beetles, Potato beetles, and Cabbage worms.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Big-eyed Bugs: Preys on Aphids, small Caterpillars and Caterpillar eggs, Flea beetles, Fleahoppers, Lygus bugs, Mites, Thrips, Whiteflies.
To attract Big-Eyed Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Tachinid Flies: Preys on Gypsy Moths, Flea Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetles, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: Carrots, Dill, Coriander, and Buckwheat.
Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.
Damsel Bugs: Preys on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Flea beetles, Potato beetles, and Cabbage worms.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Big-eyed Bugs: Preys on Aphids, small Caterpillars and Caterpillar eggs, Flea beetles, Fleahoppers, Lygus bugs, Mites, Thrips, Whiteflies.
To attract Big-Eyed Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Cutworms
Beneficial insects such as Ground Beetles, Tachinid Flies, Braconid Wasps, Spiders, Minute Pirate Bugs, Damsel Bugs, Lacewing Larvae, and Birds all prey on Cutworms.
Ground Beetles: Prey on Snails, Slugs, Ants, Maggots, Earthworms, Caterpillars, Armyworms, Grubs, Colorado potato beetles, and Cutworms.
To attract Ground Beetles to your garden you will need to grow: evening primrose, amaranthus, and clover.
Tachinid Flies: Preys on Gypsy Moths, Flea Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetles, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: Carrots, Dill, Coriander, and Buckwheat.
Braconid Wasps: Prey on Tobacco Hornworm, Tomato Hornworm, Caterpillars, Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Mexican Bean Beetles.
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, cabbage looper, and fruit flies.
To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, mulch for predatory spiders.
Minute Pirate Bugs: Preys on spider mites, cabbage looper, insect eggs, caterpillars, aphids, thrips
To attract Minute Pirate Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Damsel Bugs: Prey on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Potato Beetles, and Cabbage Worms.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.
To attract Ground Beetles to your garden you will need to grow: evening primrose, amaranthus, and clover.
Tachinid Flies: Preys on Gypsy Moths, Flea Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetles, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: Carrots, Dill, Coriander, and Buckwheat.
Braconid Wasps: Prey on Tobacco Hornworm, Tomato Hornworm, Caterpillars, Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Mexican Bean Beetles.
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, cabbage looper, and fruit flies.
To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, mulch for predatory spiders.
Minute Pirate Bugs: Preys on spider mites, cabbage looper, insect eggs, caterpillars, aphids, thrips
To attract Minute Pirate Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Damsel Bugs: Prey on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Potato Beetles, and Cabbage Worms.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.
Nutrition
Corn is rich in carbohydrates, as well as soluble fiber, folate, niacin, thiamin, phosphorus and various useful phytochemicals. Yellow Corn contains vitamin A.
Health Benefits of Popcorn
Eating popcorn provides energy along with many benefits that include the following:
Improves Digestion: It is important to realize that popcorn is a whole grain, which is a designation for grains that contain the endosperm, germ, and bran. This is similar to whole grain cereals, rice, and bread that also contain all three of these vital parts. Since popcorn is a natural whole grain, it contains all of the fiber from the bran, not to mention the minerals, B complex vitamins, and vitamin E that is stored there. In terms of digestion, the high fiber content keeps your body “regular”, meaning that your bowel movements move smoothly and quickly through your digestive tract and conditions like constipation are avoided. Fiber stimulates peristaltic motion of the smooth intestinal muscles and induces the secretion of digestive juices, both of which help to keep your entire digestive system healthy.Popcorn
Lowers Cholesterol Levels: Fiber functions in another beneficial way within the body, and whole grains contain the type of fiber which can strip off excess cholesterol from the walls of blood vessels and arteries, thereby reducing your overall cholesterol levels, and lowering your chances of dangerous cardiovascular conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. This also reduces the strain on the cardiac system, since the heart doesn’t need to work so hard to move blood through clogged vessels and arteries.
Controls Blood Sugar: The third vital role of fiber is its impact on blood sugar within the body. When the body has ample amounts of fiber, it regulates the release and management of blood sugar and insulin levels better than people with low levels of fiber. Reducing these fluctuations in blood sugar is a major bonus for diabetics, so popcorn is always a recommendation if you suffer from that difficult disease.
Prevents Cancer: Researchers in recent years have been shocked to find an amazingly large amount of antioxidant capacity within popcorn. It used to be considered a relatively unhealthy junk food, but it now appears that the hull of popcorn contains large amounts of polyphenolic compounds, one of the more powerful types of antioxidants that you can put in your body. In fact, research has even shown that popcorn consumption can do more for the antioxidant potential in your body that a daily dose of fruits and vegetables! Antioxidants are the powerful defensive agents that scavenge and eliminate free radicals, those by-products of cellular metabolism that are associated with a variety of diseases in the body, particularly cancer. Free radicals are notorious for mutating healthy cellular DNA into cancerous cells, which is a big problem. Popcorn can help reduce those risks.
Prevents Aging: Free radicals do a lot more damage than cancer; they have been closely linked to of age-related symptoms like wrinkles, age spots, macular degeneration and blindness, muscle weakness, cognitive decline, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, hair loss, and a wide variety of other things we generally don’t look forward to as we age. Popcorn can keep you feeling healthy and happy well into your old age thanks to the powerful antioxidants that combat these effects of free radicals.
Weight Loss: A normal cup of popped popcorn contains only 30 calories, which is approximately 5 times less than the same amount of greasy potato chips. Furthermore, the fiber content in popcorn makes you feel full and inhibits the release of the hunger hormone, ghrelin. This can prevent overeating and keep people who are battling the bulge happy and thin, without making them feel like they aren’t eating enough. Popcorn is also very low in saturated fats, and its natural oils are primarily healthy and essential in the body.
Word of Caution: Popcorn certainly seems like a healthy snack, but the vast majority of people douse it in salt, butter, or other toppings that negate much of the positive impact that popcorn can have on the body. Also, avoid pre-packaged microwave popcorn, as it usually has butter and salt. Once the popcorn begins to pop, some of the chemicals in the packaging material actually break down or destroy the phenolic compounds of the hull, severely decreasing its impact on protecting your body against free radicals.
Other than these few words of warning, pop in a good movie, fix yourself a big bowl of popcorn, and get healthy!
Improves Digestion: It is important to realize that popcorn is a whole grain, which is a designation for grains that contain the endosperm, germ, and bran. This is similar to whole grain cereals, rice, and bread that also contain all three of these vital parts. Since popcorn is a natural whole grain, it contains all of the fiber from the bran, not to mention the minerals, B complex vitamins, and vitamin E that is stored there. In terms of digestion, the high fiber content keeps your body “regular”, meaning that your bowel movements move smoothly and quickly through your digestive tract and conditions like constipation are avoided. Fiber stimulates peristaltic motion of the smooth intestinal muscles and induces the secretion of digestive juices, both of which help to keep your entire digestive system healthy.Popcorn
Lowers Cholesterol Levels: Fiber functions in another beneficial way within the body, and whole grains contain the type of fiber which can strip off excess cholesterol from the walls of blood vessels and arteries, thereby reducing your overall cholesterol levels, and lowering your chances of dangerous cardiovascular conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. This also reduces the strain on the cardiac system, since the heart doesn’t need to work so hard to move blood through clogged vessels and arteries.
Controls Blood Sugar: The third vital role of fiber is its impact on blood sugar within the body. When the body has ample amounts of fiber, it regulates the release and management of blood sugar and insulin levels better than people with low levels of fiber. Reducing these fluctuations in blood sugar is a major bonus for diabetics, so popcorn is always a recommendation if you suffer from that difficult disease.
Prevents Cancer: Researchers in recent years have been shocked to find an amazingly large amount of antioxidant capacity within popcorn. It used to be considered a relatively unhealthy junk food, but it now appears that the hull of popcorn contains large amounts of polyphenolic compounds, one of the more powerful types of antioxidants that you can put in your body. In fact, research has even shown that popcorn consumption can do more for the antioxidant potential in your body that a daily dose of fruits and vegetables! Antioxidants are the powerful defensive agents that scavenge and eliminate free radicals, those by-products of cellular metabolism that are associated with a variety of diseases in the body, particularly cancer. Free radicals are notorious for mutating healthy cellular DNA into cancerous cells, which is a big problem. Popcorn can help reduce those risks.
Prevents Aging: Free radicals do a lot more damage than cancer; they have been closely linked to of age-related symptoms like wrinkles, age spots, macular degeneration and blindness, muscle weakness, cognitive decline, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, hair loss, and a wide variety of other things we generally don’t look forward to as we age. Popcorn can keep you feeling healthy and happy well into your old age thanks to the powerful antioxidants that combat these effects of free radicals.
Weight Loss: A normal cup of popped popcorn contains only 30 calories, which is approximately 5 times less than the same amount of greasy potato chips. Furthermore, the fiber content in popcorn makes you feel full and inhibits the release of the hunger hormone, ghrelin. This can prevent overeating and keep people who are battling the bulge happy and thin, without making them feel like they aren’t eating enough. Popcorn is also very low in saturated fats, and its natural oils are primarily healthy and essential in the body.
Word of Caution: Popcorn certainly seems like a healthy snack, but the vast majority of people douse it in salt, butter, or other toppings that negate much of the positive impact that popcorn can have on the body. Also, avoid pre-packaged microwave popcorn, as it usually has butter and salt. Once the popcorn begins to pop, some of the chemicals in the packaging material actually break down or destroy the phenolic compounds of the hull, severely decreasing its impact on protecting your body against free radicals.
Other than these few words of warning, pop in a good movie, fix yourself a big bowl of popcorn, and get healthy!
Suggested Varieties
(Amaranthus caudatus 'Love, Lies, Bleeding')
$1.00 - $5.60
Love, Lies, Bleeding Amaranth is a heirloom annual leaf vegetable that is native to South America, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-4' and features erect, deep red stems, 6” oval, light green leaves and 12” bright red, drooping tassels. This plant can be grown in containers or hanging baskets, attracts bees and butterflies, tolerates drought, is used to make dye, self sows, is both edible and medicinal, and is great as a cut flower!
(Amaranthus tricolor 'Perfecta')
$1.00 - $5.60
Perfecta Amaranth is a heirloom upright, busy annual leaf vegetable that is native to India and tropical Asia, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-4' and feature s erect stems, 10” oval-shaped, green to purple leaves that have yellow and red blotches, and 1” green to red flowers. This plant can be grown in containers, attracts bees and butterflies, tolerates drought, is edible, and its foliage is a addition to cut flowers!
(Amaranthus cruentus 'Red Garnet')
$1.00 - $5.60
Red garnet Amaranth is a heirloom, warm weather annual leaf vegetable that is native to Mexico and South America, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-7' and features erect stems, oval-shaped, burgundy red leaves, and large dark red flower spikes. This plant can be grown in containers, attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, tolerates drought, and it's edible!
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Black Turtle')
$1.00 - $5.60
Black Turtle Bean is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Mexico and Central America, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, green 5-6” bean pods that turn yellow when mature, and tiny purple flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake #274')
$1.00 - $5.60
Sold out
Blue Lake Bush Bean #274 is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to California where it was developed and introduced in 1961 by Asgrow Seed Company in the Blue Lake District. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-16” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, green 5-6” snap bean pods, and tiny white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Contender')
$1.00 - $5.60
Contender Bush Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to South Carolina where it was developed by the Southeastern Vegetable Breeding Laboratory in Charleston and introduced in 1961. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, 5-7” green snap bean pods, and tiny white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Gold Rush Yellow Wax')
$1.00 - $5.60
Gold Rush Yellow Wax Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to California where it was developed and introduced in 1977 by Asgrow Seed Company. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, 5-6” long yellow wax bean pods, and tiny flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Kentucky Wonder')
$1.00 - $5.60
Sold out
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to California where it was introduced in 1940 by Ferry-Morse Seed Co. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 72-96” and features long vines, green spade-shaped leaves, 7-10” green snap bean pods, and tiny flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Lazy Housewife')
$1.00 - $5.60
Lazy Housewife Pole Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Pennsylvania where it first appeared in W. Atlee Burpee’s 1888 catalog. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 8-9' and features long vines, green spade-shaped leaves, 4-5” medium green bean pods, and tiny flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Pinto')
$1.00 - $5.60
Pinto Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to New Mexico where it was developed by Manrique Gonzalez between 1913-19. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, 3-4” flat green bean pods, and tiny flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis)
$1.00 - $5.60
Sold out
Red Yard Long Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Africa, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 96-144” and features long vines, green spade-shaped leaves, deep red snap beans that average 18" in length but are able to reach 36", and tiny flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and birds, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Royalty Purple Pod')
$1.00 - $5.60
Royalty Purple Pod Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to New Hampshire where it was developed by the University of New Hampshire, and introduced by Billy Helper Seed Company in 1957. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, 5-6” bright-purple bean pods, and tiny flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!