Zea mays, var. praecox
Family: Poaceae

Zea mays var. praecox is an erect, monoecious annual, probably from Mexico or Central America. A variety of maize or Indian corn, popcorn is grown for the small cobs with mostly pointed, pinkish white kernels which we recognize as the popcorn some love to eat. Popcorn is eaten in a variety of ways, such as seasoned with butter and salt and as a cereal with milk and sugar. Since the introduction of Japanese hull-less varieties, the quality of pop-corn has improved enormously.

Cultivation

Grow and propagate as for sweet corn. Like sweet corn, it must be grown in blocks, not rows, to ensure good pollination.

Climate

Zone 7, but grown as a summer annual.