An heirloom from Amish country, these plants grow slim 6-7 inch ears. The yellow kernels pop into very small, hull-less popcorn bursting with goodness! In 1849, a man named Ebenezer Emmons expressed great interest in a delicate variety of popcorn that he named "Lady Fingers." He considered it the best type of popcorn available at that time. Seed experts theorize that this variety originated in South America, since it is quite similar to the popcorn of Argentina and Paraguay.
~ planting ~
Prepare the soil with compost or other organic matter. One week after frost or when the soil consistently reaches 60 degrees F, plant the corn 1" deep and 8-12" apart. Planting blocks of four short rows ensures good pollination. Germination should take place in 5-6 days. For companion planting benefits, plant corn with cucumbers, peas, or pole beans; plants that like shade also do well with corn. Avoid planting tomatoes near corn.
~ growing ~
After the corn emerges, keep it moist and carefully remove weeds; since corn cannot fight against weeds, mulch may be beneficial. Additional organic matter or compost helps growth, since corn is a heavy feeder. Keep in mind that corn has shallow roots which can easily become damaged by hoeing. Watch out for pests, as corn attracts many problematic insects and animals.
~ harvesting ~
Leaving the corn on its stalks to completely dry in the field gives the best results; when they are ready to harvest, the stalk and the ears will be completely brown with no green coloring at all. However, since continued rainy weather and humidity compromise the quality of the ears, it may be necessary to continue drying them inside. Choose a dry location with moderate heat, but out of direct sunlight; hang the stalks upside down, or lay them out flat.
