[sophiejo]

Hoping to get my allotment in the next couple of weeks. I have two small boys who love eating popcorn, we always pop our own. As a treat i bought them some packs of different coloured gourmet popping corn. Does anyone know if i can also use this as seed to grow plants? it was very expensive and would be a great project if the kids could grow their own popping corn from it!

Ruby Rich Red
Black Mountain
Midnight Blue
Fiery Amber

Not sure if these names relate to the seed or just part of the sales hype 

[poultrygeist]

Don't know if your kernels will grow. But apparently possible to grow in your garden.

Sounds like a fun project. 

Rob

[celjaci]

you could test some for germination on damp kitchen roll. If its somewhere warm  (propagator or airing cupboard ) it should start to sprout within a few days.

Even if the seed is viable it would still be uncertain if it would ripen - would need a longer season than sweetcorn because the seed has to ripen and dry.

[Rangerkris]

I only have to mention the word popcorn and my 2 go mad they love it so much. Sorry i cant help with your question.

[GreenOwl]

You've nothing to lose by trying it!  (well except space I guess.)

There is a variety of popping corn you can buy seed for to grow at home.  Called "Strawberry popcorn".  Grows red kernels on a strawberry-shaped cob. 

The Organic Gardening Catalogue sell it:  http://www.organiccatalogue.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_22_43_117&products_id=1326

Thompson and Morgan sell it as "Red Strawberry".  (Out of stock so I won't bother with a link.)

[sophiejo]

Thanks for your replies.

I think i will try chitting some and grow on the kids patches, then i won't loose too much space.
Thanks for the strawberry popcorn link may try that as well.

The biggest prob maybe getting it dried correctly as i think it needs a certain amount of water in the kernels to pop, still it will be fun trying.