Popcorn variety

Tom Thumb Popcorn

A compact popcorn that stays much shorter than standard corn. It works well in small gardens and can still produce usable ears.

About Tom Thumb

Tom Thumb is an heirloom dwarf popcorn prized for very short plants that typically reach only about three to four feet, making it one of the smallest popcorns you can grow. Despite the tiny stature, each plant produces short ears of yellow kernels that pop into tender flakes with relatively little hull. Its early maturity and tolerance of cool conditions made it a classic choice for short-season northern gardens.

Growing Tom Thumb Popcorn

The compact habit lets you space plants a bit closer, roughly 8 inches apart, but still plant in a block rather than a single row for good pollination. It is a strong pick for northern gardens and short summers because it matures quickly, and the low plants are easy to net if birds become a problem. Harvest when the husks brown and kernels are fully hardened, then dry indoors until a test batch pops cleanly.

Other popcorn varieties

Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; performance varies by climate, soil, and season. Seed and plant availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.