Popcorn
Red Strawberry Popcorn is a striking heirloom corn variety that delivers ornamental charm and genuine eating pleasure in one compact package. Its deep red kernels nestle in strawberry-shaped ears on sturdy 4-5 foot stalks, and when popped, they transform into fluffy white popcorn with a subtly sweet flavor. Reaching maturity in approximately 105 days, this variety produces 2-4 ears per plant, thriving in full sun as a compact annual that earns its keep both in the kitchen and as a fall decoration.
Full Sun
Moderate
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?in H x ?in W
Annual
Moderate
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The kernels pop into a surprising bright white despite their deep red appearance on the cob, creating a delightful contrast that adds visual interest to a popcorn bowl. Growing on sturdy, manageable 4-5 foot stalks with a compact habit, this variety rewards gardeners with multiple ears per plant while remaining easy to manage in modest garden spaces. The slightly sweet flavor sets it apart from standard popcorn varieties, offering snackers something genuinely different with each handful.
Red Strawberry Popcorn shines in two distinct ways. First, it delivers fresh popcorn for snacking, popping into fluffy kernels with a slightly sweet character that works beautifully in both sweet and savory applications. Second, the vibrant red ears on the stalk and their distinctive strawberry shape make them equally valuable for autumn decorations, bringing genuine ornamental presence to fall displays and harvest-themed arrangements.
Direct sow Red Strawberry Popcorn seeds into the garden after the last spring frost date when soil has warmed sufficiently. Plant seeds at the appropriate depth and space them to allow for mature plant width, as corn benefits from proper air circulation.
Allow ears to mature fully on the stalk until the husks dry and papery texture develops, typically around 105 days after planting. The deep red kernels should be hard and fully mature before harvest. Once husks have dried completely, remove ears from the stalk by gripping firmly and twisting downward. Allow harvested ears to dry further in a cool, dry location for one to two weeks before shelling and storing, which ensures the kernels are sufficiently hard for popping.
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“Red Strawberry Popcorn carries the heirloom designation, marking it as a variety preserved and passed down through generations of gardeners who valued its distinctive appearance and reliable productivity. The strawberry-shaped ears and deep crimson coloring have made this corn a treasured choice for those seeking to maintain genetic diversity and honor traditional growing practices, though the specific origins and families who stewarded this variety through time remain anchored in broader heirloom corn preservation efforts.”