Mini Pink Pearls

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In spring, once weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay securely above 55°F (13°C), plant seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Poke seeds in 1 in. deep and 4 to 6 in. apart. Plant in a block of 4 side-by-side rows, each row at least 1 ft. apart. Thin seedlings to 1 ft. when several in. tall. Protect from marauding birds if necessary. If first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant right away as new seedlings catch up quickly.

GROWING NOTES

Plant seeds in blocks of at least 4 parallel rows to ensure good wind pollination and well filled out ears. Corn is a heavy feeder, so add plenty of compost or aged manure to the soil at sowing time, and then fertilize when young plants are 7 to 8 in. tall and again as ears begin to form.

HARVESTING

Wait to harvest popcorn until ears are mature, husks are dry, and kernels are dry and hard. To shuck the kernels from the cobs, break the cob in half and pop the kernels off starting from the edge, using your fingertips or a dull butterknife, letting kernels fall into a bowl. Once a section is started, the kernels pop off the cob easily.

After shucking the kernels from cobs, spread kernels out in a shallow layer on rimmed pans. Let them dry down for at least 2-3 weeks in a warm, dry room with good air circulation. Then store in airtight jars. Drying the kernels thoroughly will increase how well they pop.