Pop Corn (Popcorn / Zea mays everta) Origin & History Pop corn is one of the oldest known forms of corn, with archaeological evidence showing it was cultivated in the Americas over 5,000 years ago. Indigenous peoples valued it for food, ceremony, and decoration. It remains one of the few corn types consumed primarily for its dramatic transformation. Physical Characteristics • Small, hard kernels • Dense outer hull with moist starch inside • Typically yellow or white kernels • Short to medium ears • Compact, sturdy plants Primary Uses • Popcorn snacks • Specialty foods • Decorative and novelty uses • Traditional celebrations Growing Requirements • Climate: Warm, temperate • Soil: Well-drained, fertile • Sun: Full sun • Water: Moderate Planting Zones USDA Zones 4–9 Planting Time Spring, once soil temperatures reach 60°F (16°C) Days to Maturity 90–110 days Harvest Window Harvest when ears are fully dry and kernels are hard, typically late summer to early fall. Yield Notes Lower yields than dent corn, but high value as a specialty crop. Storage & Preservation Store dried ears or shelled kernels in airtight containers to preserve popping moisture. Fun / Notable Facts When heated, the moisture trapped inside each kernel builds pressure until it bursts, causing the fluffy interior to rapidly escape from the shell with enough force to seemingly shoot outward.

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