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When to Plant Popcorn in Cable, Wisconsin (54821)

Location

Cable, Wisconsin

ZIP Code

54821

USDA Zone

4a

Last Frost

Friday, May 15, 2026

πŸ“… Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Friday, May 29, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, May 15, 2026 Β· Zone 4a

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 Cable?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, May 29, 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 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 Cable, Wisconsin? +

In Cable (Zone 4a), direct sow Popcorn outdoors around Friday, May 29, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Cable, Wisconsin? +

The average last spring frost date for Cable, Wisconsin (ZIP 54821) is around Friday, May 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 4a.

How long does Popcorn take to grow? +

Popcorn typically matures in about 100 days from direct sowing. In Cable, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, May 29, 2026 plus 100 days.

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

Popcorn does best when direct sown outdoors. In Cable, sow directly around Friday, May 29, 2026.

Other Plants for Cable

Growing Popcorn in Zone 4a

Popcorn (Zea mays everta) is a popular garden vegetable. In Cable, Wisconsin, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a, you should direct sow seeds around Friday, May 29, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, May 15, 2026. Popcorn grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.