Corn for popcorn

Not everyone knows that not every corn is suitable for popcorn . There are special varieties that have a number of differences from fodder and those that are intended for human nutrition. In what they consist - we will understand together.

What corn is needed for popcorn?

Corn grains should have a stronger shell, as if uncovered by varnish. It is important that the composition of corn kernels for popcorn is distinguished by a special combination of such components as starch, fiber and moisture. When the grains are heated, the moisture inside them expands, a strong shell restrains this process up to a certain point and does not crack, because the steam manages to spread evenly throughout the grain.

At the time of the explosion, evenly distributed moisture expands and swells the pulp of the grain. In this case, unopened maize should not be more than 2% of the total volume.

A completely different picture is observed if you try to preheat fodder or food varieties of corn. Their soft shell will crack almost immediately and in the end you will have just burst the corn.

What kind of corn do popcorn?

With differences and peculiarities, we sorted it out, but the question remained - which corn is used for popcorn? There is not one grade of properly bursting corn for obtaining excellent popcorn.

For gardeners who want to grow this miracle crab themselves, there is good news. Especially for them, the best varieties of corn for popcorn were bred, and among them:

Features of care

The crumbing maize varieties have some special requirements for growing rules. For example, for good growth and fruiting, they need an average daily temperature of at least 18 ° C. So, to sow them before the middle of May does not make sense.

Also this culture needs maximum sunlight, so that the cobs have time to start. It is better if the corn's precursors on the ground were potatoes, tomatoes and early vegetable crops.

Plant corn for popcorn, you need a scheme of 40x60 or 50x59 for two peas in a hole. Necessary top dressing: in the early phase of liquid with a solution of urea or other organic, in the middle of vegetation - nitrophosphate, and at the time of the formation of cobs - potassium and phosphorus fertilizers.

Regular and abundant watering is necessary - at least 2 times a week. In windless weather, corn will be pollinated by a slight shaking of the plant. Do not place ordinary sugar varieties near popping maize so that there is no cross pollination. Be sure to wait for the full ripening of the heads to the root, otherwise the unripened grains will not open.