How to grow Popcorn in Australia
Sow in full sun in rich, warm soil after frost has passed. Plant in a block of several short rows rather than one long line so wind pollination fills the cobs.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 6 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 30 cm
- Time to harvest: 120 days
- Time to germinate: 8 days
- Soil pH: 5.8 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Frost tender
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | September to December | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | September to December | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | September to December | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | October to December | Sow Oct to Dec after frost. Block plant for pollination. |
| Adelaide & SA | September to December | |
| Perth & WA | September to November | Sow Sep to Nov in blocks. The long dry summer and autumn dry the cobs well on the plant; water deeply at tasselling. |
| Tasmania | November | Marginal. Sow Nov only and pick the fastest variety. Needs every warm day to dry down. |
| Canberra & ACT | November and December | Sow after frost. Short warm season. |
| North Queensland | April to August | Dry season. Sow Apr to Aug so cobs can dry on the stalk before the rains. |
| Darwin & Top End | March to July | Dry season. Sow Mar to Jul so cobs can dry on the stalk before the rains. |
Varieties
- Strawberry Popcorn
- Tom Thumb
Companion planting
Good companions
Avoid planting near
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Leave cobs on the plant until husks are papery brown and kernels are hard and dry. Twist the cobs off, then dry further indoors before shelling.
Storage
Dry cobs fully on the stalk. Store kernels in a sealed jar for 2+ years.