Item Tag: Likes well drained soil

50WHITE JAPANESEHULLESS POPCORNSEEDS Growing and Harvesting Guide for White Japanese Popcorn Introduction White Japanese popcorn (Zea mays everta) is a unique variety of popcorn known for its tender, fluffy texture and small, white kernels. It has a delightful nutty flavor, making it a favorite for home snacks and gourmet popcorn enthusiasts. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to grow and harvest your White Japanese popcorn. Growing White Japanese Popcorn 1. Choosing the Right Location Sunlight: Select a location that receives full sun, ideally 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.Soil: Popcorn prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Consider adding organic matter to improve soil structure. 2. Preparing the Soil Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches to ensure good aeration and drainage.Amendments: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility. You can also add a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK) to promote growth. 3. Planting Timing: Plant seeds after the last frost date in your area, when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F (15°C).Spacing: Create rows spaced about 30-36 inches apart. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 6-12 inches apart within the rows.Watering: Water the seeds thoroughly after planting, and continue to keep the soil evenly moist (not waterlogged) as they germinate. 4. Care During Growth Watering: Ensure consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Deep watering is preferable to encourage root growth.Weed Control: Regularly remove weeds that compete for nutrients and water. Mulching can help suppress weeds and retain moisture.Fertilization: Side-dress with a balanced fertilizer when the plants are about 6 inches tall and again when they are knee-high. 5. Pest and Disease Management Monitoring: Watch for common pests like corn earworms, aphids, and cutworms. Use organic insecticides or introduce beneficial insects if needed.Disease Prevention: Practice crop rotation and monitor for fungal diseases like rust and smut. Remove affected plants promptly. 6. Growth Cycle Maturity: White Japanese popcorn typically takes about 90 to 120 days to mature. The plants will grow to about 3-4 feet tall and develop ears with silks. Harvesting White Japanese Popcorn 1. Determining Harvest Time Kernel Color: The kernels should be hard and have turned from bright yellow to a frosty white color.Drying: Check that the husks have dried down and are brown. Once the husks are dry, which usually occurs in late summer to early fall, your popcorn is ready to harvest. 2. Harvesting Cutting Ears: Use sharp garden shears or pruners to cut the ears of corn off the stalks, leaving a few inches of the stalk for easier handling.Handling: Carefully handle the ears to avoid damage to the kernels. 3. Drying and Curing Initial Drying: Place the harvested ears in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area to dry further. Ideally, you want them to dry for 2-3 weeks, ensuring moisture content is reduced to about 13-14%.Curing: Removing the husks and separating the kernels can further cure them. Store them in a breathable container. 4. Removing Kernels Shelling: Once fully dried and cured, you can shell the kernels by hand or by using a corn sheller. 5. Storage Containers: Store the shelled kernels in a cool, dark, and dry place in airtight containers. Glass jars or vacuum-sealed bags work well.Longevity: Properly stored popcorn can last for several years. As a seller, I understand that there may be some confusion when it comes to the terms and conditions of shipping and delivery. In order to provide clarity, I would like to address a few important points: 1. 3 business day shipping: We strive to ship out your order within three business days from the date of purchase. This means that weekends (Saturday and Sunday) are not considered business days, so please keep this in mind when estimating your delivery time. 2. No tracking on orders under $16: Due to the rising costs of delivery, we regretfully cannot provide tracking information for orders under $16. This allows us to keep our prices competitive while still offering reliable shipping services. 3. Estimated delivery dates: While we make every effort to provide accurate estimated delivery dates, they should be viewed as approximations. Various factors, such as unforeseen delays in transit, may impact the actual delivery date. We kindly ask for your understanding should any discrepancies arise. 4. Seller’s lack of control over third-party delivery: Once the order is placed with USPS or any third-party delivery service, we, as the seller, have no control over the speed of delivery. We rely on their efficiency and processes to ensure your package arrives in a timely manner. 5. Longer delivery times: In some cases, orders may take up to 15 business days to be delivered. While this is not typical, it is important to note that different factors, such as customs processes, distance, or volume of orders, can contribute to longer delivery times. 6. Contact seller before opening a case or leaving negative feedback: We kindly request that if you encounter any issues with your order, please reach out to us directly before opening a case or leaving negative feedback. We are here to help and will do everything we can to resolve any problems you may have. 7. Give seller a chance to resolve problems: It is our sincere desire to ensure your satisfaction with every purchase. By giving us a chance to address any issues, we are confident that we can find a positive resolution that meets your needs.