Can You Plant Popcorn Kernels?

Rooting the Kernels

The best way to make sure that the corn kernels will grow successfully is to root them in water before replanting them in soil. To do this, line a foam cup with a wet paper towel and slide the kernels in between the side of the cup and the towel. Leave the cup in a warm area and wait for a root to form; this should take about a week.

After the root has developed, plant the rooted seed in the ground or in a flowerpot with equal amounts of potting soil and peat moss. You should plant the kernels about two inches below the surface of the ground in high-quality soil with a pH level of about 6.0. You can add lime to the soil to change its pH level if necessary, but make sure to mix the lime well into the soil. Choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and good drainage, and keep the plants at least a foot apart from each other.

The growing popcorn plants will need plenty of water and fertilizer to keep them growing well. Fertilize the plants three or four times -- once during the planting process, once when the stalks reach knee height, and once when tassels form at the top of the stalks. Water the stalks each week, using about two inches of water each time. Taking care of your plants will increase the number of healthy ears that grow on the stalks.

When the stalks of corn begin to brown and the kernels have become hard and dried out, you can harvest the ears of corn. Cure the kernels; husk the ears and place them into mesh or nylon bags for 2 to 3 weeks. Put the bags into a warm, dry room with good ventilation. To see whether the kernels have cured sufficiently, remove some kernels and drop them into a pan of hot oil. If they pop, and the popcorn tastes like it should, then the kernels are ready. If they fail to pop, or if the popcorn has a chewy texture, let the rest of the kernels dry for another week or so.