Dakota Black Popcorn

Dakota Black Popcorn seeds produce a striking heirloom corn variety bearing deep burgundy-black kernels on slender, jewel-toned ears. Unlike standard yellow popcorn, these dark kernels pop into tender, white, slightly rounded puffs with a rich, nutty flavor that sets them apart from anything you'd find on a grocery shelf. The ears themselves — typically 4 to 6 inches long and dressed in near-obsidian kernels — are as ornamental as they are edible, making Dakota Black a genuinely dual-purpose garden plant.

Growing Guide

Dakota Black Popcorn matures in approximately 100 to 110 days from transplant, making it best suited to a full-sun location that receives at least 8 hours of direct light daily. Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date, once soil temperatures have reliably reached 60°F (16°C). Sow seeds 1 inch deep in blocks rather than single rows to ensure good wind pollination — poor pollination leads to incompletely filled ears. Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart in rows set 30 to 36 inches apart. Corn is a heavy feeder; work compost or a balanced organic fertilizer into soil before planting and side-dress with nitrogen when plants reach knee height. Keep soil consistently moist, especially during silking and tasseling. Grow in blocks of at least four rows for best results. If you're growing other sweet corn or popcorn varieties nearby, isolate Dakota Black by at least 400 feet or stagger planting dates by three weeks to prevent cross-pollination, which can affect both color and popping quality.

Harvest & Use

For popcorn, patience is essential — do not harvest at the fresh corn stage. Leave ears on the stalks until the husks have turned completely dry and papery and the kernels feel rock-hard to the touch, typically after the first light frost. Pull back the husks and hang ears in a warm, well-ventilated space to cure for an additional 4 to 6 weeks. Once fully cured, shell the kernels by hand and store them in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark location. Properly dried kernels will keep for 2 to 3 years without significant loss of popping ability. On the stovetop or in an air popper, Dakota Black pops into bright white, fluffy pieces with a satisfying crunch and a noticeably nutty, slightly sweet flavor that needs nothing more than a little butter and salt. Undried ears also make exceptional dried decorations — the deep black kernels hold their color beautifully through the season.

A rewarding heirloom for gardeners who want both a productive popcorn harvest and a genuinely beautiful crop worth growing year after year.