Popcorn grass is a plant that you easily grow by sowing popcorn kernels in a pot of soil. The trend popped up during the pandemic – but the Norwegian Food Safety Authority sees problems with the method.
– Food products are not checked with the aim of ensuring that they are safe to plant in the soil. They can carry diseases that are contagious between plants, but which are not necessarily dangerous for humans, says Line Ruden, section manager at the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, to NRK.
The plant should not be grown outdoors, according to the authority then uninvited guests to the garden – and the surrounding area.
– Insects, fungi, bacteria and viruses can accompany what you plant, says Ruden.
Fears infection from fungi, bacteria and viruses
According to the Swedish Agricultural Agency, it is not as worried NWT.
– In principle, it is always good to use certified seed to keep an eye on possible diseases and pests, says Thorsten Rahbek-Pedersen, unit manager at the advisory unit for plant nutrition, climate and water, to the newspaper.
There are other alternatives to the popcorn grass.
– If you sow sweet corn, you get just as nice plants, but you also contribute to the food supply, he says.