Popcorn Maize Strawberry is a striking and decorative maize variety with small, reddish cobs that strongly resemble strawberries. This special popcorn maize is easy to grow and produces a large number of small cobs with irregularly arranged kernels. The cobs grow approximately 10 - 15 cm long and stand out due to their warm red colour. This makes the maize not only interesting for culinary use, but also highly suitable as a decorative plant for the vegetable garden, ornamental garden, and autumn decorations.
The plants remain relatively compact and reach a height of approximately 100 - 120 cm. Due to their low growth habit, they are easy to care for and the small cobs can be harvested easily. Thanks to its compact size, Strawberry is also suitable for smaller vegetable gardens and locations where space is limited. For good pollination, it is recommended to grow the plants in groups or blocks rather than in single rows.
Culinarily, Popcorn Maize Strawberry is used for making delicious homemade popcorn. The small, hard kernels contain enough starch and moisture to burst open when heated and transform into light, fluffy popcorn. The flavour is pleasantly slightly sweet, and the small, colourful cobs make this variety especially attractive to lovers of unusual maize varieties. After harvesting, the cobs should first be allowed to fully mature and dry further. Harvest the cobs when the outer husk is completely yellow and feels dry to the touch. The kernels should be hard and firm. Allow the cobs to dry further in a warm, well-ventilated place. Proper drying is important to achieve optimal popping quality. It is recommended to test a few kernels before using the entire harvest, to check whether the popcorn pops properly. Thanks to its compact growth, striking red cobs, and the possibility of making homemade popcorn, Popcorn Maize Strawberry is a unique combination of ornamental value and culinary possibilities. This special maize variety is a valuable addition to both the vegetable garden and the ornamental garden. Half hardy annual. Height: 100 - 120 cm.
Indoor sowing: from the beginning of March
Outdoor sowing: May - June
Sowing depth: 2½ cm
Germination: 10 - 14 days
Germination temp. : 10 - 20 °C
Transplanting outdoors: may
Plant distance: 45 cm
Plant position: full sun with some shelter
Harvest period: August - October
For an early harvest, popcorn maize can be started indoors from mid-March onwards. Sow one seed per pot at a depth of approximately 2½ cm in loose, nutrient-rich potting compost. During germination, maintain a temperature of at least 10°C; additional warmth will ensure faster and more reliable germination. Keep the compost evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Germination usually takes 10 - 14 days. After the first leaves appear, place the young plants in a bright location so they can continue to grow strongly. Before planting the seedlings outdoors, they must first be hardened off. Gradually acclimatise the young plants to outdoor temperatures over approximately one week by placing them outside during the day and bringing them indoors again at night. After the last night frosts, the plants can be planted out in the open ground in May.
From May to June, once there is no longer any risk of night frost and the soil has warmed sufficiently, maize can also be sown directly outdoors. Sow the seeds approximately 2½ cm deep. It is best to plant maize in blocks rather than in a single row. This improves pollination, as maize is mainly pollinated by wind. Maintain a planting distance of 45 - 55 cm and provide enough space between the plants. Choose a warm, sunny and sheltered location with fertile soil. Protect the tall plants from strong winds if necessary. The cobs can be harvested from August to October. Wait until the outer husk of the cob is completely yellow and feels dry before harvesting. The kernels should feel hard and firm.
After harvesting, the cobs need to be dried further. Hang them for several weeks in a warm, well-ventilated place until the kernels have reached a moisture content of approximately 14%. This moisture level is important, as the kernels will otherwise not pop properly. Test a few kernels before using the entire harvest. If the popcorn does not pop well, the kernels can be lightly moistened if necessary. Place the kernels together with a small amount of water in a sealed container, shake well, and allow them to rest for some time before testing again.
Do not plant sweetcorn near popcorn maize. Cross-pollination can negatively affect the quality of sweetcorn, causing the kernels to become less sweet and less flavoursome.
