Tall, highly ornamental plants produce two cobs each that can reach 15cm (6") long. Dry the cobs with the pink kernels intact and then knock them loose for storage and popping. Enjoy fluffy white popcorn with a distinctive nutty flavor.
The beautiful pink-mauve cobs are also attractive for decoration. This is not a variety for eating corn on the cob, but rather for drying and popping. This variety is one of the earliest of all popping types. The stately tall plants are attractive in the summer garden.
Matures in 85 days
West Coast Seeds Pink Popcorn Corn Seeds, Per Package
Starting
Do not soak corn seeds prior to planting. Plant 2-5cm (1-2″) deep (shallower for sh2 seed or in cool soil). Sow seeds around 7.5cm (3″) apart, in rows 60-90cm (24-36″) apart. Because corn is wind pollinated, plant in a dense block of at least 4 rows, rather than in single rows. This increases the chance of corn pollen, which emerges from male flowers at the growing tip, to fall down onto the receptive female silks that extend from each corn cob.
Timing
Direct sow in late spring. If the soil is not warm enough, seeds often rot before sprouting – especially when not treated with fungicide. Untreated corn seeds should be planted only when the soil has warmed up above 18°C (65°F) – warmer for super-sweet (sh2) types, and even warmer for a good stand. Use a soil thermometer. If spring weather is cold, consider planting in flats or individual pots, indoors with bottom heat, for transplanting. Seeds should germinate in 7-10 days. If it rains after planting and corn does not emerge, just re-plant the area.
Harvest
When the silks at the end of an ear are a dry brown, the cob seems to start to droop, and the kernels release milky juice when cut.
