Corn Seeds - Popcorn - Calico
100-105 Days to maturity. Zea mays. Calico Corn Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom, popcorn. Suitable for growing in garden plots or raised beds. Corn tolerates heat and drought-prone regions. Annual in zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. This variety boasts 5 to 8-inch ears adorned with a kaleidoscope of kernel colors like red, yellow, brown, black, green, blue, pink, and orange, with most cobs exhibiting multiple colors. The ears contain colors and color combinations normally found in Indian corn. Not only is it a visual stunner perfect for fall decorations, wreaths, and crafts, but it also pops into delicious popcorn with a slightly nutty flavor. Calico is larger than miniature popcorn but smaller than ornamental Indian corn types. ~200 seeds/oz.
Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Calico Corn in the Vegetable Garden
Corn is wind-pollinated, so plant seeds in blocks of at least four rows to ensure proper pollination. Once the soil temperature reaches 60-65 F, sow the seeds 1-2 inches deep and 3-4 inches apart within rows spaced 24-36 inches apart. This spacing allows for adequate air circulation and growth. Choose a spot that is in full sun with well-draining soil. Once the seedlings sprout, thin them to 10-15 inches apart.
Throughout the growing season, monitor for common pests such as corn earworms and raccoons. Implementing crop rotation and using organic pesticides can mitigate pest issues. Additionally, ensure the plants receive full sun exposure and maintain soil temperatures between 65-85 F for optimal development.
Harvesting Calico Corn
Harvesting Calico Popcorn requires patience. Allow the ears to mature and dry on the stalks until the husks are brown and the kernels are hard and glossy, typically 100-105 days after planting. To test readiness, remove a few kernels and attempt to dent them with your fingernail; if they resist denting, they're ready. Once harvested, further cure the ears by hanging them in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for several weeks to ensure complete drying before shelling and storing.
About Calico Corn Garden Seeds
Calico Popcorn is an heirloom variety known for its vibrant, multicolored kernels, making it a favorite for decorative purposes. This colorful variety is larger than miniature ornamental corn but smaller than other Indian corn types.
Nutritionally, popcorn provides dietary fiber and essential nutrients, making it a healthy snack option when prepared without excessive butter or salt.
Calico popcorn serves multiple purposes in the vegetable garden. While primarily grown for its colorful, ornamental ears and popping quality, its tall stalks can act as natural trellises for climbing plants like beans, exemplifying the "Three Sisters" planting method.
It's important to note that popcorn varieties should be isolated from sweet corn to prevent cross-pollination, which can affect kernel quality. Therefore, while it offers aesthetic and culinary benefits, its role as a companion plant should be carefully managed to maintain the integrity of both crops.
Stories From Our Gardeners
"It is so easy to pop your corn on the stove. It is even better if you grow it yourself! All you have to do is get a large pot with a lid, heat it over medium-high heat with a bit of your favorite oil option (I like avocado oil), and then pour in about a quarter cup of popping corn. Let the kernels warm up, and then when they start to pop, move the pot back and forth continuously to stir up the kernels until you hear about 10 solid seconds between pops. Cut the heat, add a bit of salt, and enjoy!"
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Calico Popcorn Corn Seeds Per Package:
- 4 g - Wholesale - Approximately 28 Seeds
- 1 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 200 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 800 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 3,200 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 16,000 Seeds
- 25 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 80,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Calico Corn seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Zea mays |
| Corn Type: | Pop - Smaller kernels with shells that harden when dried. The interior moisture content turns to steam, and they puff or pop when heated. Not for eating like regular sweet corn. |
| Calico Corn Color: | Multicolored (red, yellow, brown, black, green, blue, pink, and orange) |
| Calico Corn Flavor: | Nutty and mildly sweet when popped. |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Annual: Not Intended to Overwinter |
| Days to Maturity: | 100-105 |
| Days to Germination: | 7-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 1-2 inches, 3-4 inches apart |
| Plant Spacing: | Thin to 10-15 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 24-36 inches |
| Plant Height: | 5-8 feet |
| Growth Habit: | Upright |
| Soil Preference: | Prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. |
| Temperature Preference: | Warmer |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Germination Temperature: | 60-95 °F (16-35 °C) |
| Direct Sow: | Yes |
| Plant Width: | 8-12 inches |
| Growth Speed: | Late - Ready for harvest around 100 to 115 days from direct sowing to harvesting ripe ears of corn. |
| Pests and Diseases: | It may be susceptible to common pests like corn earworms and diseases such as rust. Implementing crop rotation and monitoring for pests can help maintain plant health. |
| Special Use: | Ornamental - For sweet corn, this means a mix of white and yellow kernels. For other corns, it means the inclusion of other colors or ornamental characteristics like an appealing appearance on the plant or as a harvested decorative ear. |
| Machine Harvest Friendly: | No |