If I planted popcorn kernels in the ground, would they grow? I live in California and my history teacher said that when he was a kid, he planted those popcorn kernels and grew some form of maize.

Why don't you try and find out?

 

I wouldn't buy one of the expensive brands - get the cheapest you can find that has had nothing added for flavor.

 

or do it this way: http://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/veggies/popcorn.html

"Grow a popcorn plant. Follow directions in Millicent E. Selsam's book Popcorn to help students grow their own popcorn. Soak popcorn kernels overnight and then provide students with cups, wet paper towels, and the kernels. Have them place a kernel between the cup and the paper towel and put the cup in a warm place. In three to five days, when a small root will appear, students can plant the seed in a large clay pot filled with 1/2 potting soil and 1/2 peat moss. Have students leave the ear of corn on the plant until the plant matures and the kernels dry out."

 

http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/lesson082.shtml

We grew popcorn a couple of years ago-you have to buy special seeds, but it's really amazing how well it works. We didn't treat the kernels at all in order to get them to pop: I even popped it straight off the cob sometimes, just stick the whole cob in small brown paper bag with a little oil, and it was really great-tasting. I'm not sure where we ordered the seeds from, but it was definitely an interesting thing to try.