Japanese Hulless Popcorn

Japanese Hulless Popcorn is a charming heirloom variety of Zea mays prized for its compact stature, tender white kernels, and nearly hull-free popping experience. The plants typically reach only 4–5 feet tall and produce 2–6 short, thick ears measuring about 4 inches long each densely packed with small, ivory-colored kernels. What sets this popcorn apart is its delicate pericarp: it fractures almost completely upon popping, yielding light, airy puffs with very little hull residue perfect for those who dislike hard hull bits. The flavor is subtly nutty, slightly sweet, and refreshingly pure, earning its historic place in early 20th-century seed catalogs under names like “Tom Thumb,” “Dwarf Baby Rice,” and “Australian Hulless”. An open-pollinated variety that matures in roughly 85–100 days, it’s ideal for home gardeners seeking a flavorful, easy-to-grow, and digestible popcorn option.