Yellow Corn is an heirloom popcorn variety that matures in 100 to 109 days, producing tall, upright stalks reaching 720 to 900 inches with fully mature ears ready for popping. Unlike sweet corn, this open-pollinated strain is bred to be left on the stock until the husks turn brown, then dried further until the kernels rub cleanly from the cob. Growing in zones 2 through 13, it thrives in full sun with moderate water and tolerates heat, drought, and challenging soils with the same ease as its sweet corn cousins. This value-priced organic seed offers home gardeners an authentic heirloom popcorn experience without the complexity of hybrid varieties.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-13
900in H x 720in W
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Moderate
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The beauty of this corn lies in its dual nature: it grows as easily as sweet corn but rewards patient gardeners with superior popcorn. The kernels pop with a satisfying crack and clean separation from the cob when fully mature, making it genuinely rewarding to grow your own from seed. Its tolerance for drought and heat means it succeeds in regions where other crops struggle, and its deer resistance protects your investment without fencing or sprays.
This corn is grown specifically for popcorn production. Unlike sweet corn harvested young for eating fresh or freezing, the entire ear is left to mature fully on the stalk, dried, and then the kernels are popped using heat. The cleaned cobs can also be repurposed for bedding, compost, or other agricultural uses, making this a low-waste crop.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Direct sow seeds after soil temperatures reach 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant seeds approximately 1.5 inches deep and 15 inches apart, with rows spaced 36 inches apart. Direct sowing is the standard method for corn, allowing roots to develop without transplant shock.
Allow Yellow Corn to remain on the stalk until the husks turn completely brown and papery, a sign the kernels have reached full maturity. This may take several weeks beyond typical sweet corn harvest time. Once the ear feels dry, harvest by snapping or cutting the stalk. Store the ears in a warm, dry location for an additional 2 to 4 weeks to allow the kernels to dry further. When the kernels easily rub off the cob without resistance, they are ready for popping.
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“This heirloom popcorn strain carries the genetic lineage of traditional corn varieties that American families have grown and saved for generations. As an open-pollinated variety, it represents a living connection to pre-hybrid agriculture, preserved and passed forward by seed savers who valued reliability and self-sufficiency. Modern seed companies like True Leaf Market have kept this strain available as an organic, non-GMO option, honoring the tradition of home-grown popcorn that predates commercial hybrid corn.”