PH. 541. 813.2312

The Best Dwarf Corn Varieties for Growing in Containers

Post date |

Growing corn in containers can be a rewarding experience for urban gardeners and those with limited space. With the right techniques and dwarf corn varieties you can enjoy fresh homegrown corn – even on a balcony or patio.

When choosing dwarf corn cultivars for containers, think about things like when the kernels will be ready, how they taste, and how they need to be pollinated. This article talks about the best dwarf and mini corn varieties for gardening in pots.

What is Dwarf Corn?

Dwarf varieties of corn are those that only grow to be about 4 to 5 feet tall. They are bred to be naturally short, so the ears and tassels are closer to the ground than on regular corn, which can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Dwarf corn has shorter internodes (spaces between leaves) and often produces smaller ears. However, the ears still deliver that sweet corn taste we know and love. The compact size makes dwarf corn ideal for containers and small gardens.

Benefits of Dwarf Corn for Containers

Growing dwarf instead of standard corn offers many advantages for container gardening:

  • Requires less vertical space to mature Dwarf corn won’t outgrow a pot or balcony railing

  • Strong and not likely to fall over: The shorter stalks are less likely to fall over, even on a high-rise balcony when it’s windy.

  • Easier to support and stake. Smaller plants don’t need heavy reinforcements.

  • Simpler harvesting. The low-hanging ears are readily accessible. No need for step ladders!

  • Can yield well in limited space. You can fit multiple dwarf corn plants in containers.

  • Less nutrient demands. The petite plants need less soil and fertilizer.

Top Dwarf Corn Varieties for Containers

When selecting dwarf corn, prioritize early-maturing cultivars under 80 days to maturity. This ensures the plants can fully develop before your growing season ends.

Here are top compact corn varieties to try in pots:

1. Early Sunglow (65 days)

A sugar-enhanced dwarf yellow corn. Grows just 4-5 feet tall. Produces 5-6 inch ears with sweet, tender kernels. Does well even in cooler climates.

2. Golden Bantam (75 days)

A heirloom open-pollinated dwarf corn ideal for containers. 3-4 feet tall plants. Ears are 6-7 inches long filled with delicious yellow kernels.

3. Bodacious (72 days)

A popular miniature yellow hybrid corn. Shorter 3-4 feet stalks. 6-8 inch ears. Maintains sweetness longer than other corns.

4. Sweetness (73 days)

A dwarf supersweet yellow hybrid. Grows to around 4 feet. Ears are 6-7 inches long. Tender kernels with enhanced sugar content.

5. Peaches & Cream (80 days)

A beautiful bicolor dwarf corn bearing yellow and white kernels. 4 feet tall plants. 7 inch ears. Super sweet and perfect for small spaces.

Growing Dwarf Corn in Containers

Follow these tips to successfully grow dwarf corn in pots:

  • Use large containers at least 12 inches deep. This gives corn roots ample room to spread.

  • Choose a sunny location. Corn needs full sun – at least 8 hours a day.

  • Use a fertile, well-draining potting mix. Enrich with compost or fertilizer. Corn is a heavy feeder.

  • Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep in spring after danger of frost. Space seeds or seedlings 4-6 inches apart in all directions. Corn should be planted in blocks, not rows, for proper pollination.

  • Water regularly. Corn needs consistent moisture, especially when tassels and ears are forming. But avoid waterlogging.

  • Provide support. Insert stakes around plants or create a grid structure to keep corn upright.

  • Harvest when ears are plump and kernels exude milky liquid. Simply twist ears downward to remove.

With the right cultivars and care, dwarf corn can thrive in containers, allowing you to enjoy this classic summer crop regardless of garden space. The compact varieties make corn cultivation accessible for urbanites and small space gardeners.

You can grow one to three corn stalks in a 5-gallon bucket, depending on the size of the bucket and how much space you provide for each plant.

Does corn grow well in containers?

Everyone loves summer sweet corn, but can you grow it in a small space, like a patio pot? Yes, you can! You always have to grow more than one plant to get edible ears (read on to find out about pollination), but even a few stalks in a container can produce a yummy treat if you know a few simple tricks.

How tall does dwarf corn get?

Dwarf corn hybrids average between 65 and 70 inches in height, with ear placement occurring at the 40-inch mark or higher on the plant.

” alt=”dwarf corn varieties for containers” align=”center” />

Deep blue kernels taste as good as they look.

Blue Jade is an example of the variety of open-pollinated seeds. It was chosen because it grows slowly, has a beautiful blue-gray color, and is sweet when eaten fresh. It is also one of the best sweet corns we have tasted.

The kernels turn from white to steel blue when ripe; for peak sweetness, harvest just as they turn blue, while there is still a hint of light-yellow in the kernels. They become deeper blue when cooked.

Just 48 inches tall, each dwarf plant gives you about two ears of corn. Each cob is about half the size of a regular ear of sweet corn.

Unit Price Quantity Availability
50 Seeds $3,89 In Stock
50 seeds | Art Pack $4,32 In Stock
150 Seeds $7,18 In Stock
500 Seeds $17,31 In Stock

Dwarf Blue Jade Corn review

FAQ

What is the best dwarf corn varieties for containers?

Different kinds of corn, like “Dwarf Simon” or “Dwarf Early Sunglow,” do well in small areas because they don’t get too big and don’t lose their quality. Sweet Corn: Sweet corn is a popular choice for its sugary, tender kernels. Varieties like ‘Sweetness’ or ‘Honey and Cream’ are well-suited for containers.

How many corn plants can you grow in a 5 gallon bucket?

You can grow one to three corn stalks in a 5-gallon bucket, depending on the size of the bucket and how much space you provide for each plant.

Does corn grow well in containers?

Can you grow sweet corn in a small space, like a patio pot? Yes, you can! You need to grow more than one plant to get ears that you can eat (read on to learn about pollination), but if you know a few easy tips, you can make a tasty treat from just a few stalks in a pot.

How tall does dwarf corn get?

Dwarf corn hybrids average between 65 and 70 inches in height, with ear placement occurring at the 40-inch mark or higher on the plant.

Leave a Comment