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When to Plant Popcorn in Paterson, New Jersey (07513)

Location

Paterson, New Jersey

ZIP Code

07513

USDA Zone

7a

Last Frost

Friday, April 10, 2026

πŸ“… Planting Calendar

Direct Sow Outdoors Friday, April 24, 2026

Pro Tip: Sow Popcorn directly outdoors 2 weeks after your last frost date β€” it needs warm soil.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Zea mays everta
Days to Maturity 100 days
Mature Height 48-84"
Spread 18"

β˜€οΈ Growing Requirements

β˜€οΈ

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

πŸ’§

Water

Regular (1-2 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

12" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

1" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-10 days

Ready to Plant Popcorn in Paterson?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, April 24, 2026.

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🀝 Good Companions

BeanSquashCucumber

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

TomatoSweet Corn (cross-pollination)
See the full companion planting guide for Popcorn β†’

πŸ› οΈ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

πŸ”΄ Difficult
βœ… Open-pollinated β€” seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Let ears dry completely on the stalk past frost. Kernels should be rock-hard before harvesting.

Processing

Husk dried ears, shell kernels, cure 6–8 weeks in a warm, ventilated space before sealing in containers.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Wind-pollinated β€” requires 1000-foot isolation from sweet corn and other corn types. Under-dried popcorn won't pop.

πŸͺ΄

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4Γ—8 bed fits 32 plants of Popcorn. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size β†’

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Popcorn in Paterson, New Jersey? +

In Paterson (Zone 7a), direct sow Popcorn outdoors around Friday, April 24, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Paterson, New Jersey? +

The average last spring frost date for Paterson, New Jersey (ZIP 07513) is around Friday, April 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 7a.

How long does Popcorn take to grow? +

Popcorn typically matures in about 100 days from direct sowing. In Paterson, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, April 24, 2026 plus 100 days.

Should I start Popcorn indoors or direct sow in New Jersey? +

Popcorn does best when direct sown outdoors. In Paterson, sow directly around Friday, April 24, 2026.

Other Plants for Paterson

Growing Popcorn in Zone 7a

Popcorn (Zea mays everta) is a popular garden vegetable. In Paterson, New Jersey, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, you should direct sow seeds around Friday, April 24, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, April 10, 2026. Popcorn grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.