Popcorn Plants: How to Grow and Care for Popcorn Plants

Popcorn plants (Senna didymobotrya) are shrubs from the family Fabaceae. These plants display bright yellow flowers with sharp flower spikes and black buds that bloom in late summer. The yellow flower color resembles buttered popcorn kernels—and the compound leaves smell like buttered popcorn to some and wet dog to others. Flower buds start to appear in late summer and continue to blossom through the autumn with proper care. Legume-like seed pods emerge and hold tiny brown seeds inside. Depending on the variety and climate, popcorn plants may be grown as annuals or perennials. Popcorn cassia plant and peanut butter cassia are both alternative common names for the popcorn plant.

The plant is native to Eastern Africa. In the U.S., the popcorn plant grows best in USDA hardiness zone nine and can be used as a cover crop in vegetable gardens. Be aware that popcorn plants are highly toxic to both humans and animals. Keep popcorn plants away from pets and livestock as consumption can be lethal.

Growing and caring for popcorn plants is relatively easy with a few gardening techniques.

1. 1. Plant outdoor popcorn plants in USDA zone nine. As tropical plants, popcorn plants thrive in areas of relative heat and humidity. Keep your popcorn plant indoors if you live in a cool climate.
2. 2. Plant your plant in the spring. Popcorn plants can survive some light frost, but for the best results, plant your popcorn plant outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.
3. 3. Use fertile soil. Rich, loamy, well-draining soil works best for popcorn plants.
4. 4. Choose an area with full sun. Plant your popcorn plant in an area of your garden that receives plenty of direct sunlight throughout the day. Keep indoor plants by a sunny window.
5. 5. Water your popcorn plant regularly. Popcorn plants require ample water at first and gradually become more drought-tolerant over time. Look for signs that your popcorn plant is thirsty, such as the leaves drying up during the day. Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
6. 6. Fertilize your plant during the growing season. Spring and summer are ideal times to fertilize your popcorn plants. Feed your popcorn plants twice during each growing season.
7. 7. Prune your popcorn plant. Deadheading decaying flowers and yellowing branches will enhance the health and appearance of your popcorn plant.
8. 8. Propagate your popcorn plant. Propagation can be achieved by taking a rooted cutting and replanting it in fresh soil. Propagating from seeds is also possible. To germinate the bean-like seeds, soak them in water for twenty-four hours.

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