Corn, ‘Dakota Black’

We are not ashamed to say, in the height of the busy growing season, after a long day’s work, with no motivation left to cook, we have served up our fair share of popcorn family dinners. (You thought we had anything left at the end of the day to actually cook any of those veggies we so lovingly nurtured for market?). Fact is, we eat a LOT of popcorn around here, and I am so glad we have found a cultivar that we can reliably mature in NW Washington. A product of the Podoll family’s inspiring farm-based breeding program at Prairie Road Organics in Fullerton, ND, Dakota Black produces show-stopping 6-7” glossy garnet-black ears on sturdy plants. Kernels pop up pure white. Talking with Theresa Podoll years ago she told us had been working to select for a rounder kernel shape which they consider to produce superior popcorn, and we have continued to work with that aesthetic in mind. This is one of the varieties we hold most dear for home use. And, we promise, this seed Grows and Matures in Northwest WA!
95-100 days. UO

Packet: 1/2oz (~90 seeds)

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Seeds can be sown late spring (May) and into early Summer. Direct seeding recommended.

Note: Corn prefers warmer ambient and soil temperatures (60F+), well-drained, light and loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic (6-6.8) pH, and ample water. Seeds may be sown every 3 weeks through early summer or stagger with different maturing varieties.

PLANTING DEPTH:

1-2″ This will depend on soil type and moisture. Drier soils require deeper sowing.

SPACING:

2-3 seeds per linear foot, thinning to 8-12″ between plants in rows 2-3′ apart.
Smaller blocks of 4 rows versus one long row will ensure good pollination.

EMERGENCE:

5-14 days @ soil temp 60-65F

LIGHT:

Full sun is best!

FERTILITY:

Corn is a heavy feeder, especially of Nitrogen, and is thirsty, needing ample water, especially from tassel to harvest. 

An addition of compost/high Nitrogen fertilizer is beneficial mid-season/knee-high. 

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Remember that corn prefers warm temperatures, lots of water, fertility, and space. Keep em weeded, and remember that they have shallow roots!

To prevent seed rot, sow seeds at soil temperatures 60F+ and do not overwater. 
Dry corn and Popcorn seeds can germinate at slightly lower soil temperatures. 

To avoid cross-pollination of Sweet and Supersweet varieties, you may stagger plantings, isolate by 25+’, or choose varieties with different maturation dates. 

Harvest Sweet corn when silk is brown/dry, and kernels are milky. Waiting too long will cause excess starchiness. Eat Sweet corn fresh! 

Harvest Popcorn and Dry/Flour corn when the seed color is fully saturated and the seeds are hard and glossy. Then, cure in a well-ventilated, covered space. 

Popcorn will only pop when a low enough moisture content (13-14.5%) is achieved.