It all starts with the right seed. Regular sweet corn seeds will not do. You need Popcorn seeds to grow corn for popping.
There isn't many popcorn seed varieties on the market. One of the best, is the Japanese Hulless Popcorn. You can also find Strawberry Popcorn (pictured above). In addition to being a good popping corn, leftover ears of Strawberry Popcorn are great for fall decorating.
Armed with popcorn seeds, growing popcorn is basically the same as growing sweet corn.
Review how to grow corn and popcorn.
Leave ears of Popcorn on the plant for as long as possible. If the weather allows, leave them in the field until the husks are dry and papery.
There are two drying methods:
1. Hang Ears to Dry: Pull the husks back from the ears, to expose the popcorn kernels. Hang ears in a cool, dry place for at least 3-4 weeks. Before putting them away, remove a few kernels, and see if they pop properly. If not, they are not yet dry.
2. Slow dry in the oven: Heat oven to 200 degrees. Pull back and remove the husks. Place ears in a single layer on a baking sheet. Put them in the oven overnight, leaving the door ajar. Leaving the door ajar is important, to allow moisture to escape, and so it doesn't get too hot. Remove from the oven, and hang ears in a cool, dry place for 1-2 weeks. Try popping a few kernels before storing them, to assure they are dry.
Dried kernels can be stored on the cob, or you can remove them from the cob for storage. To remove them for the cob, rub two dried ears against each other.
Put kernels in an airtight, zip lock bag, jar or plastic container. Store on the shelf , or in the refrigerator.
No, normally it is not possible to make popcorn from sweetcorn. This is because the shell around each kernel of sweet corn is not sturdy and strong enough for this purpose.
As it turns out, you cannot simply make popcorn from just any corn variety. Sweetcorn varieties do not have the right type of shell around each kernel to transform into popped corn.
Additionally, the corn kernel as a whole needs the right amount of moisture. Excess moisture or too little of it could prevent the corn from popping.