When selecting corn varieties for container growing, opting for a dwarf or miniature cultivar is key. Standard corn can easily grow over 6 feet tall, which is too large for most patio pots or balcony planters.
Dwarf corn, on the other hand, is specifically bred to thrive in compact spaces. The plants grow to a petite size, typically 3-4 feet, making them perfect for container cultivation.
If you want to experience growing homegrown corn without the large garden space normally required then check out these top dwarf corn varieties suitable for containers.
White Midget
One of the smallest sweet corns, White Midget reaches only 3 feet tall at maturity. Each compact plant produces 1-2 petite 4 inch ears filled with tasty white kernels.
With a maturation time of 65 days, it’s one of the quickest corns from seed to harvest. This makes it a great choice for gardeners in cooler climates with shorter growing seasons.
Golden Midget
As the name suggests, Golden Midget is a yellow-kerneled variant of the popular White Midget. It shares the same compact 3 foot stature and early maturity.
The petite cobs are loaded with super sweet kernels, perfect for eating fresh or using in recipes. Golden Midget is an attractive ornamental as well with its golden tassels and husks.
Mini Popcorn
For something a little different, try growing a miniature popcorn variety like Mini Blue Popcorn. It delivers all the iconic popcorn fluff in a pint-sized package.
Though edible when fresh, the 3 foot tall plants are meant for popcorn production. The 2-3 inch ears turn blue and the kernels pop up light and fluffy.
Early Sunglow
While not technically a dwarf, Early Sunglow is a short selection reaching 4-5 feet, suitable for large containers.
It bears impressive 8 inch golden yellow ears with tender sweet kernels. Early Sunglow matures in just 65 days, for quick harvests before summer heat peaks.
On Deck
On Deck is a unique mini corn standing just 36 inches tall. Each cute plant yields 1-2 tiny ears that measure 3-4 inches long.
The kernels are sweet and delicious, perfect for a quick fresh corn fix even in limited space. Expect harvest in around 70 days.
Blueprint
For cool climates, Blueprint is a great dwarf choice maturing in only 60 days. The 3-4 foot plants produce petite 3-5 inch ears packed with sweet kernels.
With both early maturity and dwarf size, Blueprint is easy to grow in containers anywhere with a shorter growing season.
Mini Sweet
As another compact option, Mini Sweet reaches 3-4 feet tall at maturity. It bears slender ears around 5 inches long filled with crisp, sugary kernels.
Mini Sweet matures in 72 days, producing bountiful harvests of petite corn cobs that are super tasty.
Little Indian Sweet
This unique mini flint corn grows just 3 feet tall and matures in a mere 65 days. The multi-colored cobs measure 3-5 inches long and showcase a diverse mix of purple, yellow, black, red, and white kernels.
Beyond visual appeal, the flinty kernels have great corn flavor – perfect for grinding into cornmeal.
Japanese Hulless
For something exotic, try this miniature decorative corn from Japan. It grows just 3 feet tall and produces highly ornamental cobs with purple and green kernels.
Though technically edible when immature, it’s mainly grown for its striking appearance. Matures in 80 days.
Mini Blue Popcorn
Finally, Mini Blue Popcorn is another dwarf option for popping. The 3 foot plants yield petite 2-3 inch blue ears perfect for homemade popcorn.
With a 65 day maturity time, Mini Blue Popcorn is fun and easy to grow in patio containers.
With their compact size and shorter maturation times, dwarf corn varieties remove the challenges of growing standard corn in containers. You can easily cultivate these cute mini corns in pots on your patio or balcony.
Deep blue kernels taste as good as they look.
From its roots as a wild grass, corn has become the most-grown grain in the world and one of the most genetically modified crops. But none of corns modern transformations compare to the breeding work of native communities in Mexico. These early farmers talked to Teosinte, the ancestor of corn, and helped the plant grow into a food that people needed and could live on. Blue Jade is a tasty example of a newer variety or dwarf habit, with blue kernels that are ready to eat and a sweet taste.
Not only does Blue Jade show how different open-pollinated seeds can be, but it is also one of the best sweet corns we have ever tasted. The kernels turn from white to steel blue when ripe, and turn a bit greener when cooked. Each dwarf plant yields about 2 ears about half the size of a standard ear of sweet corn. This product was grown and processed on our own certified organic farm,.
| Unit | Price | Quantity | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Pack / Organic / 50 seeds | $4.79 | In Stock | |
| 50 Seeds / Organic | $4.39 | In Stock | |
| 150 Seeds / Organic | $7.99 | In Stock | |
| 500 Seeds / Organic | $19.99 | In Stock |
Direct sow outdoors after the threat of frost has passed and succession sow until mid-summer. Plant seeds 8 inches apart, 24 to 36 inches apart, in blocks of at least 4 rows to make sure the seeds get enough pollen for kernel formation. Thin plants to indicated spacing if necessary. Corn requires fertile soil and little attention. Water during dry periods. Harvest when ears are full and kernels are swollen and milky. Take care not to let ears over-ripen. Blue Jade can be grown in large containers: sow clusters of 3 seeds spaced 12″ apart.
| Days to Germination | 7-14 |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 75 days |
| Planting Depth | 1″ |
| Spacing in Row | 8″ |
| Spacing Between Rows | 36″ |
| Height at Maturity | 48″ |
| Width at Maturity | 8″ |
| Sun Preference | Full Sun |
Artwork by Daniel Baxter. His pen-and-ink illustration suggests the centrality of corn to Mexicos history and people. The husk of his corn cob is the mapped territory itself, and the crop reaches from the Pacific to the Gulf: a true testament to the importance of maize.
Can I Grow Sweet Corn in a Container? Absolutely!
FAQ
What is the best corn variety for containers?
How many corn plants can you grow in a 5 gallon bucket?
What are the short varieties of corn?
Is there a dwarf sweet corn?