Baby blue popcorn (Zea mays) is a miniature heirloom variety of corn. It’s quite hard to find any information about it online, so I’m sharing the little I know here to help you get orientated around this little gem.
Like all corn, it’s a heavy feeder, so likes lots of compost and water. And even though it’s a dwarf variety, it’s quite prolific with between 4 – 5 cobs per plant. If you’re able to, you can plant it out with the three sisters guild to get more yield from the space you’re growing in.
This corn isn’t for eating fresh, rather for drying and popping later – so after you’ve harvested, you need to let it dry. I do this by pealing back its “coat” and ideally hanging it up, as it makes for good decorations. But usually I just peal the coat off and pop it in an airy cardboard box under the kitchen bench. Because, alas, I’m not that type of person who makes spare moments for decorating (often).
As it dries the colour can darken to a dusky, midnight blue. So pretty that I arrange it in lines and then in a mandala shape – cause it made me happy.
Now, the important bit – the popping…
To pop the corn, heat a pot on the stove with 1-2cm of oil on the bottom (we use olive oil). To make sure the oils hot enough, put one bit of corn in – it should pop quickly. If it doesn’t, wait for the oil to heat more. Once it’s all in, shake the pot every now and then to make sure all the corn gets popped. And after a few minutes or so it’ll all be done.
You’ll notice, the corn turns white once popped – slightly disappointing, but still darn tasty.
Where can you buy seed in Tasmania?
- I got given seed by someone many years ago and haven’t been able to source it commercially. BUT I just noticed that Southern Harvest in Tasmania are saving some seed to sell. It’s not yet on their website (at the time of writing this), but get in touch with them to let them know you’re keen.
- Seed Freaks (also have other types of heirloom corn which you can find here.
This looks similar? Haven’t tried growing it yet but maybe this summer! https://www.theseedcollection.com.au/corn-maize-blue-hopi
Hi Claire, it does look similar – but the description says it’s for eating fresh or grinding for flour. It also grows to 180cm and only has 1 -2 cobs per plant. So a different variety I think.
that is very cute tiny corn! possibly a silly question, but do you take the kernels off the cob or do you pop the corn directly from the cob?
Hi Pippa, Yes, before popping them, you need to remove the kernels from the cob 🙂 (just like “normal” popcorn). Cheers
Hi Claire, it does look similar – but the description says it’s for eating fresh or grinding for flour. It also grows to 180cm and only has 1 -2 cobs per plant. So a different variety I think.
I’ve ordered some seeds for this popcorn from Eden Seeds. Hoping this Qld based company has seeds that will happily grow in my part of the world.
This is truly the most beautiful corn I’ve seen, I’d grow it just for looks!
Thanks for the info,
Elle
This is truly the most beautiful corn I’ve seen, I’d grow it just for looks!
Thanks for the info,
Elle
Thank you Hannah, it’s always nice to add another edible to our list plus what a great healthy way to impress the grand kids.
Great Jane – good luck with them!
Hi Hannah,
When do you know the corn is ready to pick?
Hi,
I have this corn growing at the moment.
I dont really know when to harvest.
Do I need to let the whole plant dry before picking? Or just until the silks are brown and dry?
Hi,
I have this corn growing at the moment.
I dont really know when to harvest.
Do I need to let the whole plant dry before picking? Or just until the silks are brown and dry?