Maïs Tom Thumb Popcorn. Petits épis de maïs orange devant des feuilles sèches. Le cadrage permet de voir les formes, les couleurs et les détails du sujet représenté. Les contours se détachent du fond de l’image, avec des différences de teinte et de texture visibles sur les surfaces. Cette vue accompagne la présentation du produit dans la boutique.
Vegetable Poaceae

'Tom Thumb Popcorn' Maize (Zea mays)

Product code : JAREC-0135

Organic 'Tom Thumb Popcorn' corn is an heirloom variety that is as charming as it is practical, particularly valued for its compact size and its ability to produce excellent popcorn even in regions with shorter summers. With its stocky and well-proportioned plants, Zea mays brings an orderly and accessible silhouette to the vegetable garden, ideal for small spaces, family gardens, and fun, gourmet cultivation. Each plant offers one or two small, well-filled ears with regularly aligned, golden-yellow kernels, evoking both rustic abundance and the simple pleasure of home harvests. Its relatively rapid maturity allows for successful cultivation where other corn varieties would require a longer season, making it a valuable choice for northern climates.
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Detailed plant guide
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Quantity
About 40 seeds
Exposure
Sun
Life cycle
Annual

Discover the plant

Common name'Tom Thumb Popcorn' Maize
FamilyPoaceae
GenusZea
Speciesbut
CultivarTom Thumb Popcorn
TypeVegetable
Botanical nameMaize
Reproducible seedsYes
Heirloom varietyYes

‘Tom Thumb Popcorn’ Corn (Zea mays). Organic ‘Tom Thumb Popcorn’ corn is an old variety that is as charming as it is practical, particularly appreciated for its compact size and its ability to produce excellent popcorn even in regions with shorter summers. With its sturdy and well-proportioned plants, Zea mays brings an orderly and accessible silhouette to the vegetable garden, ideal for small spaces, family gardens, and fun-loving gourmet crops. Each plant offers one or two small, well-filled ears, with regularly aligned golden yellow kernels, which evoke both rustic abundance and the simple pleasure of home harvests.

Recommended sowing period: May to June. The depth to respect is 2.5 to 4 cm (1 to 1.5 in). Emergence generally takes 7 to 10 days. For germination, keep the potting mix at 18 to 30 °C (64 to 86 °F). Sow corn in blocks of several rows rather than in a single long line, to promote pollen circulation between plants. Identify corn types and their sowing dates. Regular emergence results in a more uniform planting. Avoid disturbing young roots once plants are established and maintain sufficient moisture during their establishment.

This popcorn corn must complete its maturation and dry before use. Distinguish this harvest from that of sweet corn: kernels that are still milky are not suitable for popping. Corn forms a significant vertical volume in the vegetable garden. Place the cultivation block in such a way as to limit shade on sun-loving vegetables. Keep a passage around the rows to observe the ears and water at the base. Avoid relying on a very isolated planting to obtain well-filled ears: the proximity of several plants promotes wind pollination.

Maïs Tom Thumb Popcorn. Petits épis de maïs orange devant des feuilles sèches. Le cadrage permet de voir les formes, les couleurs et les détails du sujet représenté. Les contours se détachent du fond de l’image, avec des différences de teinte et de texture visibles sur les surfaces. Cette vue accompagne la présentation du produit dans la boutique.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

1 to 1.5 in (2.5 to 4 cm)

Germination temperature

18 to 30 °C (64 to 86 °F)

Germination time

7 to 10 days

Sowing period

May to June

Propagation

Sowing

Growing method

Recommended sowing period: May to June. Sow at a depth of 2.5 to 4 cm (1 to 1.5 in). Germination generally takes 7 to 10 days. For germination, keep the potting mix at 18 to 30 °C (64 to 86 °F). Plant corn in blocks of several rows rather than a single long line, to promote pollen circulation between plants. Identify corn types and their sowing dates. Uniform germination leads to a more consistent planting. Avoid disturbing young roots once plants are established and maintain sufficient moisture during their establishment. Observe the silks to monitor ear development, then check kernels before harvesting for fresh consumption. Sweet corn is picked at the tender stage, while types intended for drying remain on the plant longer. Support the stalk during picking to avoid knocking it over. Heat accelerates ear development: increase observation frequency as harvest approaches. Leafy vegetables require harvesting adjusted to the plant type. Outer harvesting preserves the heart when continued production is desired.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Care level

Regular during establishment, then adapted to growing conditions

Watering

Regular

Soil type

Prepare a warm, rich, well-drained soil. Plant corn in blocks of several rows rather than a single long row to encourage pollen transfer between plants. Identify corn types and their planting dates. Regular germination results in a more uniform crop. Avoid disturbing young roots once plants are established and maintain adequate moisture during establishment.

Fertilization

Fertilization supports growth and takes into account nutrients already present in the soil or potting mix. Use mature compost or a fertilizer suited to the crop, following the dosage instructions. Avoid using too many products, especially in a container where roots occupy a limited volume. Water as needed after application and observe leaf development before re-fertilizing.

Moisture

Keep soil moist during germination, without standing water; then adjust as needed for the crop

Seasonal care

This popcorn maize must mature and dry before use. Distinguish this harvest from that of sweet corn: milky kernels are not suitable for popping. Sow corn in blocks of several rows rather than in a single long line to encourage pollen circulation between plants. Identify corn types and their planting dates. Regular emergence results in a more uniform plantation. Avoid disturbing young roots once plants are established and maintain sufficient moisture during their establishment. Observe the silks on the ears to monitor their development, then check the kernels before harvesting for fresh consumption. Sweet corn is picked at the tender stage, while types intended for drying remain on the plant longer. Support the stalk during picking to avoid knocking it over. Heat accelerates ear development: increase observation frequency as harvest approaches. Leafy vegetables require harvesting adjusted to the plant type. Outer picking preserves the heart when you want to continue production. Very old leaves are not as tender as young shoots. Rinse the harvest just before use or dry it thoroughly before a short stay in the refrigerator. Each plant offers one or two small, well-filled ears with regularly aligned golden yellow kernels, evoking both rustic abundance and the simple pleasure of home harvests.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Suitable for containers

Yes

Recommended pot size

A stable container with drainage holes, wide enough for the plant to spread out, and deep enough for the roots
Choose this exposure: full sun. Reserve this spacing around the plant: 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in). Corn requires sufficiently close planting for pollination. An isolated container with a single plant is not suitable for this purpose. If growing in containers, plan for several plants close together in the arrangement while still allowing each one its root space. Tall stalks increase wind resistance: choose stable containers and maintain consistent moisture during ear formation. Organic 'Tom Thumb Popcorn' corn is a charming and practical heirloom variety, particularly prized for its compact size and its ability to produce excellent popcorn even in regions with shorter summers. With its sturdy and well-proportioned plants, Zea mays brings an orderly and accessible silhouette to the vegetable garden, ideal for small spaces, family gardens, and fun-oriented gourmet cultivation. Each plant offers one or two small, well-filled ears, with regularly aligned golden yellow kernels, which evoke both rustic abundance and the simple pleasure of home harvests. Its relatively fast maturity makes it possible to succeed with this crop where other corn varieties would require a longer season, making it a valuable choice for northern climates.
Sachet de semences Maïs Tom Thumb Popcorn. Emballage blanc photographié de face sur un fond de bois brun. Une image du végétal occupe la partie centrale, sous le nom imprimé. De petits pictogrammes et un code-barres apparaissent au bas du sachet. La marque Écoumène figure dans la partie supérieure de cette présentation.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

100 to 110 cm (39 to 43 in)

Width / spread

20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in)

Foliage type

Seasonal foliage

Growth habit

Upright, Compact

Bloom period

July to August

Fruiting

Each plant offers one or two small, well-filled cobs, with regularly aligned golden-yellow kernels, evoking both rustic abundance and the simple pleasure of homegrown harvests. Easy to grow in rich, warm soil, in full sun, it combines the joy of gardening, a useful harvest, and a touch of nostalgia. It's a heritage corn, compact and delicious, perfect for combining easy cultivation, fun harvesting, and homemade gourmet delight.

Harvest

85 to 90 days after sowing
Maïs Tom Thumb Popcorn. Petits épis de maïs orange devant des feuilles sèches. Le cadrage permet de voir les formes, les couleurs et les détails du sujet représenté. Les contours se détachent du fond de l’image, avec des différences de teinte et de texture visibles sur les surfaces. Cette vue accompagne la présentation du produit dans la boutique.

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Beans, squash, cucumbers

Recipe idea

From the gardento your plate.

Edible parts

Grains
Cooking idea with 'Tom Thumb Popcorn' Maize: popcorn for four small servings. Use 80g of mature and properly dried kernels, and 15ml of oil. Heat the oil in a thick-bottomed pot with a lid. Add the kernels, cover, and gently shake the pot while they pop. Remove from heat when the popping significantly slows down. Wait a few moments before opening, then pour into a bowl and lightly salt. Fresh and tender kernels are not suitable for this preparation. Prepare ingredients with clean utensils and adapt the cutting to the size of your harvest. This recipe highlights freshly picked parts: remove damaged pieces before preparation. If you double the quantities, ensure enough space in the dish for even mixing or cooking. Quickly place leftovers in the refrigerator in a sealed container and consume within two days. For a meal for two people, simply divide all quantities by two.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

How to successfully sow 'Tom Thumb Popcorn' corn?
Recommended sowing period: May to June. The depth to respect is 2.5 to 4 cm (1 to 1.5 in). Germination generally takes 7 to 10 days. For germination, keep the potting soil at 18 to 30 °C (64 to 86 °F). Sow corn in blocks of several rows rather than in a single long line, to promote pollen circulation between plants. Identify the types of corn and their sowing dates. Regular emergence results in a more uniform planting. Avoid disturbing the young roots once the plants are established and maintain sufficient moisture during their establishment.
Can 'Tom Thumb Popcorn' corn be grown in pots?
Choose this exposure: sun. Reserve this spacing around the plant: 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in). Corn requires sufficiently close planting for pollination. An isolated container with a single plant is not suitable for this purpose. If you are growing it in containers, plan for several plants close together in the arrangement while still allowing each one its root space. Tall stalks increase wind resistance: choose stable containers and maintain regular moisture during ear formation. Organic 'Tom Thumb Popcorn' corn is an heirloom variety that is as charming as it is practical, particularly appreciated for its compact size and its ability to produce excellent popcorn even in regions with shorter summers.
When to harvest 'Tom Thumb Popcorn' corn?
Each plant offers one or two small, well-filled cobs, with regularly aligned golden yellow kernels, evoking both rustic abundance and the simple pleasure of home harvests. Easy to grow in rich, warm soil, in a sunny exposure, it combines the joy of gardening with a useful harvest and a touch of nostalgia. It's a compact and delicious heirloom corn, perfect for combining easy cultivation, fun harvesting, and homemade gourmet delight. Leafy greens require harvesting adjusted to the type of plant. Picking from the outside preserves the heart of the plant when you want to continue production. Very old leaves do not offer the same tenderness as young shoots.
How to Enjoy Tom Thumb Popcorn in Your Garden?
This popcorn needs to finish ripening and drying before use. Distinguish this harvest from that of sweet corn: milky kernels are not suitable for popping. Organic 'Tom Thumb Popcorn' is an heirloom variety that is as charming as it is practical, particularly appreciated for its compact size and its ability to produce excellent popcorn even in regions with shorter summers. With its stocky and well-proportioned plants, Zea mays brings an orderly and accessible silhouette to the vegetable garden, ideal for small spaces, family gardens, and fun-oriented gourmet crops. Each plant offers one or two small, well-filled ears with regularly aligned golden-yellow kernels, evoking both rustic abundance and the simple pleasure of home harvests.
How to organize a planting of 'Tom Thumb Popcorn' Corn?
Corn forms a significant vertical volume in the vegetable garden. Place the corn block to limit shade on sun-loving vegetables. Maintain a pathway around the rows to observe the ears and water at the base. Avoid relying on a very isolated planting for full ears: the proximity of several plants promotes wind pollination. Observe the silks of the ears to monitor their development, then check the kernels before harvesting for fresh consumption. Sweet corn is picked at the tender stage, while types intended for drying remain on the plant longer.

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