Popcorn Mini Mixed is also known as Popcorn Mini Coloured. This popcorn variety originates from Minnesota in America. Popcorn Mini Mixed consists of small, dense corn cobs in a wide variety of colours. These colours occur in different patterns on each cob. There may also be a few cobs that are single-coloured or three-coloured, and even multi-coloured. The following colours are present in this mixture: red, blue, brown, yellow, white, orange, black, grey, purple and pink. Some cobs also have red, purple or brown coloured outer sides. The plants develop an average of 2 - 3 cobs each. The ears are small, slender and approximately 7 - 12 cm long each. The beautiful, colourful and shiny kernels have very appealing and varied colours.
The cobs can be used as beautiful decorations in, for example, baskets, wreaths and dried bouquets. But the kernels can also be popped as popcorn. This popcorn variety has a delicious flavour. Use the very well-dried kernels for this. popcorn Mini Mixed combines a delicious flavour with a very attractive and distinctive appearance. This makes this popcorn variety a must for everyone. Popcorn Mini Mixed is ideal for growing and processing with children. Harvest the cobs when the outside is completely yellow and feels dry. The kernels inside the cobs should feel hard. Allow to dry further in a warm, humid room. Non hardy annual. Height: 150 - 180 cm.
Indoor sowing: from the beginning of March
Outdoor sowing: May - June
Sowing depth: 2½ cm
Germination: 10 - 14 days
Germination temp. : 10 - 20 °C
Transplanting outdoors: may
Plant distance: 45 cm
Plant position: full sun with some shelter
Harvest period: August - October
For an early harvest, popcorn maize can be started indoors from mid-March onwards. Sow one seed per pot at a depth of approximately 2½ cm in loose, nutrient-rich potting compost. During germination, maintain a temperature of at least 10°C; additional warmth will ensure faster and more reliable germination. Keep the compost evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. Germination usually takes 10 - 14 days. After the first leaves appear, place the young plants in a bright location so they can continue to grow strongly. Before planting the seedlings outdoors, they must first be hardened off. Gradually acclimatise the young plants to outdoor temperatures over approximately one week by placing them outside during the day and bringing them indoors again at night. After the last night frosts, the plants can be planted out in the open ground in May.
From May to June, once there is no longer any risk of night frost and the soil has warmed sufficiently, maize can also be sown directly outdoors. Sow the seeds approximately 2½ cm deep. It is best to plant maize in blocks rather than in a single row. This improves pollination, as maize is mainly pollinated by wind. Maintain a planting distance of 45 - 55 cm and provide enough space between the plants. Choose a warm, sunny and sheltered location with fertile soil. Protect the tall plants from strong winds if necessary. The cobs can be harvested from August to October. Wait until the outer husk of the cob is completely yellow and feels dry before harvesting. The kernels should feel hard and firm.
After harvesting, the cobs need to be dried further. Hang them for several weeks in a warm, well-ventilated place until the kernels have reached a moisture content of approximately 14%. This moisture level is important, as the kernels will otherwise not pop properly. Test a few kernels before using the entire harvest. If the popcorn does not pop well, the kernels can be lightly moistened if necessary. Place the kernels together with a small amount of water in a sealed container, shake well, and allow them to rest for some time before testing again.
Do not plant sweetcorn near popcorn maize. Cross-pollination can negatively affect the quality of sweetcorn, causing the kernels to become less sweet and less flavoursome.
