Short answer: soak 200 to 275 g of popcorn kernels for 6 to 12 hours. Spread them in one layer on a 10 × 20 inch tray of moist soil. Cover and keep them in complete darkness, watering from below. Cut above the kernels at 10 to 12 days, when the shoots are 3 to 5 inches tall and still yellow.
Keep them dark. Grow popcorn shoots in a cupboard or under a cover the whole time. Even a day of light turns them green and bitter.
What are popcorn shoots?
Popcorn shoots are young corn seedlings (Zea mays var. everta) grown without light. They stay pale yellow and taste very sweet, like fresh sweet corn. Chefs use them as a garnish for their colour and sweetness. Sprouting.com gives them 10 to 12 days and recommends growing them in the dark.1
How to grow popcorn shoots
- Day0
Soak
Soak the kernels in plenty of water for 6 to 12 hours. Drain.
- Day0
Sow
Spread the kernels in one layer over 1 inch of moist potting mix. Press them in.
- Day0–12
Keep dark
Cover the tray and keep it in a dark place. Water from below once a day.
- Day10–12
Harvest
Cut above the kernels when the shoots are 3 to 5 inches tall.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Green, bitter shoots | Exposed to light | Keep fully covered |
| Mold around kernels | Kernels piled up, too wet | One layer, water from below, ventilate briefly |
| Few shoots | Treated or old kernels | Use untreated popcorn sold for shoots |
Tips for growing popcorn shoots
- Soak in plenty of water. The kernels absorb a lot.
- Spread in one layer. Piled kernels hold water and can mold.
- Check the dark spot. A closet or cupboard works if it stays around 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C).
- Air the tray briefly. Lift the cover for a few minutes a day, then cover it again.
- Cut in the dark or right after uncovering so the shoots stay yellow.
Storing
Store cut popcorn shoots dry in a lined container in the fridge. Use within 3 to 5 days for the best sweetness.
How to eat popcorn shoots
- As a sweet garnish on soups and seafood
- In salads, cut into short lengths
- On tacos and grain bowls
- As a crunchy, sweet snack
See how to garnish with microgreens and why chefs use microgreens.
Safety
Use untreated kernels sold for shoots. Some seed corn is treated with fungicide and isn't safe to eat.
Popcorn shoots FAQ
Why are popcorn shoots grown in the dark?
Without light, they stay yellow, tender and sweet. In light, they turn green, tough and bitter.
How long do popcorn shoots take?
About 10 to 12 days after a 6 to 12 hour soak. Cut them when they're 3 to 5 inches tall.
Can you eat the corn kernel?
No. Cut the shoots above the kernels. The kernels are hard and should be composted with the roots.
Can I use popcorn from the grocery store?
Sometimes, but it may be old or treated. Popcorn sold for shoots is untreated and tested to sprout.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
Sources
- Sprouting.com (Mumm's Sprouting Seeds). Product pages: days to sprout, soak time and yield for each seed. Link
