Popcorn Seed Tom Thumb (Zea mays) Corn that grows outside in Alaska without plastic

Popcorn Seed Tom Thumb

Popcorn Seed Tom Thumb is a compact, early-maturing popcorn variety that makes growing popcorn possible in places where the season is simply too short for many traditional corn varieties.

For Alaska gardeners, that is exactly why we grew it.

Corn can be challenging in Alaska because it needs warmth and enough time to fully mature before fall temperatures arrive. Popcorn adds another layer to that challenge because the kernels need to reach full maturity on the plant before they can be dried and popped.

Tom Thumb successfully matured for us here in Alaska.

Plants stay remarkably compact, generally around 3 feet tall, and produce small ears approximately 3–4 inches long filled with golden-yellow kernels. Most plants produce one to three ears. Tom Thumb reaches maturity in approximately 85 days, making it considerably earlier and smaller than many popcorn varieties.

The small stature also makes Tom Thumb a good choice for raised beds, smaller gardens, protected growing areas, and northern growers who want to experiment with corn without dedicating a huge amount of garden space to a towering corn patch.

Once properly matured and dried, the kernels can be removed from the cob and popped just like traditional popcorn.

Tom Thumb is an open-pollinated popcorn, which also makes it an interesting variety for gardeners interested in seed saving. Corn is wind pollinated, however, so isolation from other corn varieties is important if you plan to save genetically pure seed.

Days to Maturity: Approximately 85 days
Plant Height: Approximately 3 feet
Ear Size: Approximately 3–4 inches
Kernel Color: Golden yellow
Growth Habit: Compact/dwarf corn
Sun: Full sun
Uses: Popcorn, dried decorative ears, seed saving
Best For: Alaska gardens, northern gardens, short growing seasons, raised beds and small-space gardens

Planting Instructions

Corn is a warm-season crop and germinates best in warm soil. In Alaska, Tom Thumb may benefit from being started indoors approximately 2–3 weeks before transplanting, especially in cooler locations or areas with a particularly short frost-free season.

Plant seeds approximately 1 inch deep.

If starting indoors, use individual cells or small pots and transplant carefully so the roots are disturbed as little as possible. Do not allow corn seedlings to become root-bound before planting outside.

Transplant or direct sow only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.

Space plants approximately 8–12 inches apart.

Because corn is wind pollinated, plant corn in a block rather than one long single row whenever possible. Multiple short rows allow pollen from the tassels to fall more effectively onto the silks and improve kernel development on the ears.

Growing Instructions

Choose the warmest, sunniest location available. Full sun, warm soil, and protection from cold winds can make a significant difference when growing corn in Alaska.

Corn is a relatively heavy feeder and grows best in fertile soil with adequate nitrogen and consistent moisture. Keep plants evenly watered, particularly as they begin tasseling, producing silks, and developing ears.

Good pollination is essential. Each silk on an ear of corn corresponds to an individual kernel, so poorly pollinated silks result in missing kernels. Growing several plants together in a block improves the chances of good pollination.

Harvesting Popcorn

Do not harvest Tom Thumb the same way you would sweet corn.

For popcorn, the ears need to remain on the plant as long as possible so the kernels can fully mature and begin drying. The husks should become dry and papery and the kernels should be hard.

In Alaska, fall weather may arrive before the ears are completely dry. If the kernels are mature but wet weather or frost is approaching, harvest the ears and continue drying them indoors in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location.

Do not immediately shell freshly harvested popcorn.

Allow the ears to continue curing until the kernels contain the proper amount of moisture for popping. Test a few kernels periodically. If they pop poorly or the popcorn is chewy, the kernels generally need additional drying. Properly dried popcorn can be shelled and stored in an airtight container.

Tom Thumb is one of those varieties that reminds us why we trial seed here in Alaska.

Sometimes the question isn’t whether a crop is traditionally associated with Alaska.

The question is whether we can find the right variety to make it work.

Register for garden classes: https://seedsandsoilorganics.com/product-category/alaska-gardening-classes-growing-guides/