“Pop and Grow: A Beginner’s Guide to Cultivating Popcorn Cassia Plants”

Popcorn cassia, also known as Senna didymobotrya, is a plant that bears beautiful golden yellow flowers during the late summer and fall, making it a great addition to any landscape. This plant can be grown as an annual or perennial and forms a multi-stem shrub in tropical regions. Popcorn cassia originates from Africa and is named for its buttered popcorn scent when rubbed. It’s a colorful plant that attracts birds, insects, and butterflies that feed on its nectar.

However, it’s important to note that popcorn cassia is toxic to humans and pets. If you live in hardiness zones 9-11 and want to grow popcorn cassia as a perennial or multi-stem shrub, make sure to plant it in full sun and well-draining soil with a neutral pH. In warm climates, popcorn cassia looks striking when planted alongside banana plants or other plants with dark green leaves.

You should plant popcorn cassia after all danger of frost has passed and space the plants 2 feet apart. The plant thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil with a neutral pH and requires regular watering. While the plants grow quickly in hot and humid weather, they slow down significantly when temperatures fall below 80 degrees F. Popcorn cassia does well in a container with large drainage holes, but you’ll need to water it more regularly and fertilize it more frequently.

The plant doesn’t have any significant pests or disease issues, but poorly drained soil can lead to root rot. You can start popcorn cassia from seed or propagate it with a rooted cutting, and it goes well with Elephant’s Ear, Dahlia, and Purpletop Vervain. Pruning is optional and should be done after the plant has finished blooming.