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Guaranteed to Grow
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Heirloom

Tom Thumb Dwarf Popcorn

Quick Facts:

  • Open-pollinated variety
  • Short plants grow just 3' tall
  • Produces 1-3 ears measuring 3" long
  • Yellow kernels well-suited for popping
  • 85 days to harvest

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Quantity: Packet (25 Seeds)

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We ship to all areas of North America including the United States, its territories and outlying islands, and Canada. International orders may incur an additional charge to cover the handling of customs paperwork. Returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt. Full warranty information can be found here.

Tom Thumb Dwarf Popcorn

More about Tom Thumb

Zea mays

Tom Thumb is an open-pollinated popucorn variety developed by the late Dr. Elwin Meader at the University of New Hampshire.  Very early maturing variety produces cute, 3 to 4-inch-long ears on 3-foot-tall plants.  Plants produce 1 to 3 ears each.  A great variety for teaching kids about plant development and pollination.  Kernels are well-suited for popping.  Approximately 85 days to harvest.  Each packet contains a minimum of 25 seeds.

Zea mays

Tom Thumb is an open-pollinated popucorn variety developed by the late Dr. Elwin Meader at the University of New Hampshire.  Very early maturing variety produces cute, 3 to 4-inch-long ears on 3-foot-tall plants.  Plants produce 1 to 3 ears each.  A great variety for teaching kids about plant development and pollination.  Kernels are well-suited for popping.  Approximately 85 days to harvest.  Each packet contains a minimum of 25 seeds.

Girl holding kohlrabi

How to Grow Corn

Corn performs best in soil that is well-drained, but also able to hold onto some moisture, as corn tends to use quite a bit of water during its active growth phase.  Working in a healthy dose of well-composted manure in the fall will ensure that the rapidly growing plants receive adequate water and nutrition. 

After danger of frost has passed and soil temps have reached 55 degrees, sow seeds 9-12" apart, 1" deep, in rows 24-36" apart.  To maximize pollination use a paired row or square plot configuration.  Under ideal conditions, germination will occur in 7-10 days.

Not recommended

Insect Pests

Biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis can be effecting in controlling common corn pests like corn borer and earworm.  Aphids, Japanese beetles, and other hard-shelled insects can be controlled with a simple homemade insecticidal soap solution.

Diseases & Other Problems

Corn is susceptible to a number of plant diseases.  Consult your local extension office to learn which diseases are most prevalent in your region. Crop rotation, tillage, and removal of plant debris are all effective tools in managing common corn diseases.

Sweet corn is ready to harvest approximately 21 days after pollination. At peak, the kernel tips should be rounded and glossy. Shelling corn can be harvested once the husks have dried and the kernels have sufficiently hardened.  To test for maturity, pull back the husk and remove a kernel from the ear.  If the tip at the base of the kernel breaks off to reveal a brown "abscission" layer, the ears are ready to harvest.

CONSIDERATIONS:

To maintain genetic diversity, save seed from at least 50 to 100 plants.  If open-pollinated, plants should be isolated from other corn varieties by at least 1/4 mile.  Otherwise, hand-pollination can be performed.

HARVESTING SEED:

Wait until ears have reached full maturity and the kernels cannot be pierced by your fingernail. Peel back the husk and harvest the ear by pulling down and twisting. Place in a mesh bag or basket and allow to continue to dry for two weeks. Shell ears using a manual corn shelling tool or tightly grip a gloved hand around the ear and twist to separate the kernels from the cob. Winnow to remove any chaff and store in an airtight container until ready to use.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Corn seeds will maintain 50% viability for three years when stored in a cool, dark place.

Hand pollinating corn

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