To test store-bought popcorn for fertility: sow 20 seeds, water, and wait. If the corn grows in about a week, you have fertile seeds. If 2 weeks pass, and you still don’t see any sprouts emerging, you have infertile seeds. The seeds must be fertile in order to grow.
Don’t plant within 100 feet (30. 48 meters) of other types of corn, or you may get cross pollination. This could result in hybrids, and may affect the flavor. [3] X Research source
Space seeds 8 to 10 inches (20. 32 to 25. 4 centimeters) apart. If you are planting in rows, space the rows 18 to 24 inches (45. 72 to 60. 96 centimeters) apart. [7] X Research source Plant the corn ½ inch (1. 27 centimeters) deep in the spring. Plant the corn 2 inches (5. 08 centimeters) deep in the summer. Put 2 seeds in each hole. Only 75% of seeds germinate. [8] X Research source
When the corn is about knee-height, or gets 8 to 10 leaves: use ½ pound (226. 80 grams) of fertilizer per 100 square feet (9. 29 square meters). When the ears form silk: use ¼ pound (113. 4 grams) of fertilizer per 100 square feet (9. 29 square meters) once the ears form silk. Add more fertilizer if: the leaves turn yellow or pale, especially after getting silk. [12] X Research source
Place mulch around your corn. By the time the seedlings come up, the crows won’t be as interested in them anymore. Put up a scarecrow. Place a tunnel of chicken wire over each row of seedlings. [15] X Research source
Install an electric fence around your field Put some hot pepper on the silk. Install a flood light and train it on the corn. Use portable radios around the corn. Try the Native American trick of planting pumpkin around the corn. No one is quite sure as to why this works, although there are many theories.
Before the silk turns brown, sprinkle the tip of each ear with a pesticide, such as: Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), pyrethrin, or rotenone. After the silk turns brown, put a drop of mineral oil on the tip of each ear.
