The Popcorn Bar

Grow impressive towering stems of corn, which can be simply dried and popped into the most addictive snack known to man.

Start by unwrapping your Growbar and place it with the brown protective paper facing upwards, into a container with plenty of space to allow it to expand; a takeaway food tray is ideal. Gently pour half a litre of water into the tray and position indoors on a warm, bright sunny windowsill. The seeds will need to be a cosy 18°-22° to germinate.

Water regularly and ensure the Growbar is perfectly moist, it should remain the colour of a rich dark ginger cake.

After a few weeks you should have a bar neatly dotted with little seedlings. These will be happy growing together in the bar for a further month in their sunny location.

When the seedlings are around 15cm tall you may then gently separate them, being careful to not damage the delicate roots. When all risk of frost has passed you may plant them in individual pots or a sunny weed-free spot in the garden. Plants in the ground with plenty of space and sunlight will produce a more abundant harvest but it is possible to grow corn in large containers on the balcony or patio.

Water deeply and regularly throughout the summer and provide a feed with high potash food such as liquid tomato feed every few weeks. In a warm sunny summer the stalks will shoot up and the ears of corn will begin to grow large and heavy. It’s wise to bank up soil around the base of each plant to keep it sturdy and provide canes for support as the stems grow taller, stopping them bending and snapping in summer breezes.