Japanese Hulless Popcorn Seeds - (Zea mays)

Japanese Hulless Popcorn - A Kernel of History and Flavor

When customers began asking for the perfect homegrown popcorn – flavorful, tender, easy-eating, and manageable in size, our search led us to a fascinating heirloom: Japanese Hulless. We were intrigued by reports matching those exact qualities: noticeable nutty flavor (rare for popcorn!), a near-absence of hulls thanks to its unique thin structure, and surprisingly compact growth. Our own taste tests confirmed the claims – this variety delivers a richer, deeper, nutty flavor far beyond typical popcorn, making it a uniquely rewarding crop for almost any garden size. Its history, playing a foundational role in the American popcorn industry, only adds to its appeal.

Details

Japanese Hulless Popcorn is notable for its manageable garden size, typically reaching 4 to 5 feet in height with a 1 to 2 foot spread. Expect a yield of 2 to 6 ears per stalk, with 3 to 4 being common. The 4-inch cobs bear ivory to light-yellow kernels, their arrangement on the cob exhibiting a natural variation. This variety demonstrates adaptability across USDA hardiness zones 3 through 10. 

A key attribute for the home gardener is its dual functionality: it produces excellent popcorn and can be harvested as baby corn. The popped kernels are distinctly pure white with an exceptionally delicate texture, a 'hulless' quality stemming from its thin pericarp. The pericarp is the outer layer of the corn kernel, which we commonly refer to as the hull. This layer is thicker and more robust in most popcorn varieties, often remaining as a noticeable, sometimes tough, fragment after popping. However, this pericarp is remarkably thin and brittle. This structural difference causes it to fracture almost completely upon heating, resulting in the tender texture and the near absence of those bothersome hull fragments. The flavor profile is consistently described as nutty, often with a subtle sweetness and a surprisingly rich corn taste. Its more compact growth makes it a practical choice for gardens with limited space, offering a reliable harvest. It's an easy variety to grow, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels, including introducing children to the process.

History

But Japanese Hulless Popcorn isn't just easy to grow and delicious; it also has a fascinating history. All corn traces its genetic roots back to the domestication of teosinte in Mesoamerica approximately 9,000 years ago. While Japan has a history with corn, this distinct heirloom rose to prominence in America with its 1918 listing by the Livingston Seed Company of Columbus, Ohio, as 'Livingston's Tom Thumb or Japanese Hulless.' This dual name likely alluded to its compact growth and a perceived market appeal linked to the term 'Japanese.' Livingston's described it as 'new dwarf growing' with a 'heavy yield,' 'attractive ears,' and kernels 'almost free from hull when popped,' noting its 'Excellent quality' compared to the 'White Rice' popcorn of the time. The 'Japanese' designation likely reflected common seed marketing of the era, using evocative terms to attract buyers, possibly suggesting novelty or a desirable small size.

Crucially, 'Japanese Hulless' is classified as an ancient white popcorn type indicating significant genetic diversity. It played a foundational role in the American popcorn industry, with selections derived from it contributing to the development of the first commercial hybrid popcorn in the United States. The fact that home gardeners continue to grow it highlights its reliable performance and unique characteristics, solidifying its place as an enduring heirloom.

Uses

As its name suggests, this variety excels for popping. The uniquely tender popcorn has a subtly nutty flavor, often accompanied by a delicate hint of sweetness (We were genuinely impressed by the noticeable richness compared to standard popcorn), without the bothersome hulls of other popcorn varieties. The young ears can be harvested as baby corn approximately 70 days after planting, and the dried ears can serve an ornamental purpose, adding a rustic touch to seasonal decorations.

Companion Planting

Beneficial pairings include beans (which can help fix nitrogen in the soil) and squash (which can provide ground cover and deter weeds)

Antagonistic planting includes tomatoes, as they can share some common pests and diseases.

Planting and Growing Tips

For optimal development of this popcorn, plant after the soil temperature consistently reaches at least 60°F and all risk of frost has passed. This timing ensures proper germination and seedling establishment. Choose a location that receives a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily; adequate light powers robust growth and ear development. Well-drained, fertile soil supports this variety best. Incorporate compost or other organic matter prior to planting; this improves soil structure and provides sustained nutrient release. Water deeply but allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings; this encourages strong root development. Consistent moisture is particularly important during germination, tasseling (flowering), and ear formation to ensure proper pollination and kernel fill. Plant seeds in a block formation, rather than single rows; this significantly enhances wind pollination, leading to more fully developed ears. 

Harvest Tips 

To successfully harvest Japanese Hulless Popcorn, watch the silks; the ears are typically ready when they have turned brown and are fully dry. The kernels should feel hard and firm when pressed with a fingernail at this stage. For optimal popping, allow the ears to dry further on the garden's stalk if weather permits. Alternatively, harvest the mature ears and dry them in a well-ventilated space for several weeks. This curing process is crucial for achieving the best popping quality. Frequent harvesting is not applicable here, as the goal is to obtain fully mature ears for popcorn. Store the completely dried ears in a cool, dry location to maintain their quality.

Learn More

• Heirloom Corn - More than just Sweet Corn
• Heirloom Sweet Corn History
• Heirloom Corn - Grow It to Save It
• Blue and Yellow Cornmeal Polenta
• Alice Berner's Cornbread
• Heirloom Corn and Potato Chowder

From the soil to the seed to the food you eat - we'll help you grow your best garden!