Cherokee Long Ear Popcorn
Zea mays subsp. mays
Seeds per pack ~ 100
Packed for 2026
DAYS TO MATURITY: 90-100 days
Origins and History of Domestication
Cherokee Long Ear Popcorn belongs to Zea mays, the domesticated maize species whose ancestry traces to teosinte in what is now Mexico. Maize was domesticated by Indigenous peoples thousands of years ago and subsequently spread throughout North, Central, and South America, where communities selected distinct types for climate, color, flavor, storage qualities, ceremonial importance, and culinary use. Popcorn represents one of the hard-kernelled forms of maize; when heated, moisture trapped within the dense kernel turns to steam and causes the kernel to burst and expand.
Cherokee Long Ear is associated with Cherokee corn traditions and the preservation of Indigenous maize diversity. The seedstock commonly sold today as Cherokee Long Ear Small was developed from several strains of long-ear Cherokee popcorn preserved by Cherokee corn collector and breeder Carl Barnes of Oklahoma and later combined by seed grower Merlyn Niedens. Barnes helped preserve Cherokee corn connected with the Cherokee people's forced westward migration during the Trail of Tears. Our seeds were sourced from Open Circle Seeds of Potter Valley, California.
Spread and Diversification
Corn occupied an important place in Cherokee agriculture long before European settlement, and generations of seed selection produced maize suited to different culinary and agricultural purposes. Cherokee Long Ear reflects this tradition of maintaining genetically and visually diverse corn rather than selecting for the uniformity characteristic of modern commercial hybrids. Historical accounts of the variety describe its use not only for popping but also as green corn and ground cornmeal, demonstrating the versatility traditionally valued in Indigenous maize varieties.
The contemporary Cherokee Long Ear population is particularly notable for its diversity of kernel colors. Maintaining this variation through open pollination allows growers and seed stewards to continue selecting plants while preserving a broad range of colors and characteristics. The variety has also attracted modern scientific interest: Cherokee Long Ear was among the colored popcorn lines used in recent University of Nebraska research investigating quality-protein popcorn breeding.
Appearance and Characteristics
Cherokee Long Ear is a striking, open-pollinated popcorn producing plants approximately 6–8 feet tall. The slender ears generally reach about 5–7 inches long and are packed with small, hard, glossy kernels. Colors can include red, blue, orange, yellow, white and other intermediate rainbow shades, often occurring together on the same ear.
Despite their relatively small size, the kernels produce surprisingly substantial popped corn. This variety is known for having a favorable low hull-to-popped-corn ratio and particularly good flavor. The brilliant, mature ears also make an attractive ornamental corn for autumn displays, although its value as a food crop is considerably more important than its decorative qualities.
Culinary Uses
The primary use is naturally popcorn. Once properly dried and cured, the kernels produce flavorful popped corn that can be eaten plain or seasoned with butter, herbs, spices, or other toppings. Historically, however, Cherokee Long Ear has been valued as a multipurpose corn. The dried kernels can be ground into cornmeal for breads, porridges and other corn dishes, while accounts also describe the corn being harvested young as green corn and popped kernels being incorporated into soups. Its culinary versatility makes Cherokee Long Ear especially valuable for gardeners interested in preserving heirloom crops that represent traditional foodways as well as genetic diversity.
Growing Tips and Vegetation Zones
Cherokee Long Ear requires full sun, warm soil and fertile, well-drained ground. It can be grown as a warm-season annual across a broad range of USDA zones—approximately Zones 3–10—provided the location supplies roughly 90–100 frost-free days. Rather than the zone number itself, adequate summer warmth and the length of the frost-free season are the most important considerations.
Direct sow after frost danger has passed and preferably when soil temperatures have reached at least 65°F. Sow seeds approximately 1 inch deep, spacing plants about 8–12 inches apart, with rows roughly 30–36 inches apart. Plant corn in blocks of several short rows rather than one long row because corn is wind-pollinated; block planting improves pollination and kernel development.
Corn is a relatively heavy feeder, so incorporating compost or other appropriate soil amendments before planting can improve growth. Maintain consistent moisture, particularly during tasseling, silking and ear development, but avoid waterlogged soil. Because Cherokee Long Ear is open-pollinated, growers who intend to save true-to-type seed should also prevent unwanted crossing with other corn varieties by adequate distance or differences in flowering time.
Days to Maturity
Allow approximately 90–100 days to maturity, with about 100 days commonly listed for fully mature dry ears. Weather, soil fertility, planting date and local growing conditions can shift maturity somewhat.
Harvesting Guidance
For popcorn, allow the ears to mature on the plants until the husks become brown and dry and the kernels are hard and fully colored. If prolonged wet weather threatens the crop, mature ears can be harvested and finished indoors in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location. The ears should continue curing until the kernels have reached the proper moisture level for popping.
After curing, shell a small sample and test-pop it. Poor popping often indicates that the kernels still contain too much moisture; allow them to dry longer and test again. Once properly cured, shell the remaining kernels and store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry location. Select healthy, well-filled ears from vigorous plants for saving seeds.
