VegetableCorn
Miniature Colored Corn
Miniature Colored Corn is a charming heirloom variety that produces adorable 3-4 inch ears packed with kernels in a stunning rainbow of colors. These slender cobs have been grown for centuries in North America and work equally well as ornamental garden accents or harvested for popcorn. Hardy across zones 2-13, this annual reaches 72-84 inches tall and matures in 100-109 days, thriving in full sun with moderate water and tolerating heat and drought once established.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-13
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Organic Matter
Growth Stats
84 in
Height
TypeUpright
Spacing
15
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-13
Size
84in H x ?in W
Growth
—
Care
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
These pint-sized ears display a mesmerizing palette of colors that would catch any gardener's eye in the field or dried in a autumn display. The kernels harden into excellent popcorn once fully mature, giving you a dual-purpose crop that's both beautiful and productive. For gardeners in regions prone to heat and drought stress, this variety proves its resilience while maintaining the novelty factor that makes growing corn so rewarding.
Common Uses
This corn serves two distinct purposes depending on timing and intention. Harvest the hardened kernels at full maturity and pop them for fresh popcorn, or leave the colorful ears on the stalk to dry completely and use them as long-lasting autumn and winter decorations. The visual drama of these multicolored cobs makes them popular for harvest displays, wreaths, and dried arrangements.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 60°F, ideally closer to 70°F for faster growth. Harden off seedlings gradually if started indoors.
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds outdoors when soil temperature reaches 60-75°F and frost danger has passed. Plant seeds in full sun in your prepared garden plot or raised bed.
Harvesting
For popcorn, allow ears to mature fully on the stalk, usually around 100-109 days after planting. The husks will dry and turn papery, and kernels should be hard and difficult to dent with a fingernail. Harvest ears by snapping them downward from the stalk, then remove husks and silks completely. Dry ears further in a warm, airy location for several weeks before shelling and popping. For ornamental use, harvest ears anytime and dry them whole with husks attached.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Zea mays
Family
Poaceae
Genus
Zea
Growth Habit
Upright
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)VI (I)CAN (I)
History & Origin
“Miniature Colored Corn represents a centuries-old tradition of North American maize cultivation. This heirloom, open-pollinated corn reflects the agricultural heritage of indigenous and early settler communities who developed and preserved these compact, colorful varieties. The survival of this cultivar through generations speaks to its appeal to home gardeners seeking connection to traditional seed-saving practices and the rich history embedded in heirloom crops.”