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When to Plant Popcorn in Buckingham, Virginia (23921)

Location

Buckingham, Virginia

ZIP Code

23921

USDA Zone

7b

Last Frost

Sunday, April 5, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Sunday, April 19, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, April 5, 2026 · Zone 7b

Pro tip: Sow Popcorn directly outdoors 2 weeks after your last frost date — it needs warm soil.

🌿 Plant Details

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

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

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 Buckingham?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, April 19, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

BeanSquashCucumber

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

TomatoSweet Corn (cross-pollination)
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Popcorn

See which plants help Popcorn thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🔴 Difficult
✅ Open-pollinated — 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 — requires 1000-foot isolation from sweet corn and other corn types. Under-dried popcorn won't pop.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 32 plants of Popcorn. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Popcorn in Buckingham, Virginia? +

In Buckingham (Zone 7b), direct sow Popcorn outdoors around Sunday, April 19, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Buckingham, Virginia? +

The average last spring frost date for Buckingham, Virginia (ZIP 23921) is around Sunday, April 5, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 7b.

How long does Popcorn take to grow? +

Popcorn typically matures in about 100 days from direct sowing. In Buckingham, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, April 19, 2026 plus 100 days.

Should I start Popcorn indoors or direct sow in Virginia? +

Popcorn does best when direct sown outdoors. In Buckingham, sow directly around Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Other Plants for Buckingham

Growing Popcorn in Zone 7b

Popcorn (Zea mays everta) is a popular garden vegetable. In Buckingham, Virginia, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, you should direct sow seeds around Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, April 5, 2026. Popcorn grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.