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Guaranteed to Grow
Supports Family Farms
Seed Saver Approved

Glass Gem Corn

Quick Facts:

  • Open-pollinated variety
  • Glossy, jewel-toned kernels
  • No two ears are alike
  • Can be ground into grits or cornmeal
  • 120 days to harvest

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Quantity: Packet (50 Seeds)

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We ship to all areas of North America including the United States, its territories and outlying islands, and Canada. International orders may incur an additional charge to cover the handling of customs paperwork. Returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt. Full warranty information can be found here.

Glass Gem Corn

More about Glass Gem

Zea mays

Glass Gem is a flint corn variety that produces brilliant, glossy kernels in a seemingly endless spectrum of jewel-toned colors.  No two ears are alike.  The result of many years of careful breeding and selection by part-Cherokee farmer and breeder Carl Barnes.  Almost too pretty to eat but can be ground into grits or a fine cornmeal.  Reported by others to be suitable for popcorn, but we tried it and determined that there are better uses for this variety.  Matures approximately 120 days after sowing.  Each packet contains a minimum of 50 seeds.

Zea mays

Glass Gem is a flint corn variety that produces brilliant, glossy kernels in a seemingly endless spectrum of jewel-toned colors.  No two ears are alike.  The result of many years of careful breeding and selection by part-Cherokee farmer and breeder Carl Barnes.  Almost too pretty to eat but can be ground into grits or a fine cornmeal.  Reported by others to be suitable for popcorn, but we tried it and determined that there are better uses for this variety.  Matures... read more

read less

Zea mays

Glass Gem is a flint corn variety that produces brilliant, glossy kernels in a seemingly endless spectrum of jewel-toned colors.  No two ears are alike.  The result of many years of careful breeding and selection by part-Cherokee farmer and breeder Carl Barnes.  Almost too pretty to eat but can be ground into grits or a fine cornmeal.  Reported by others to be suitable for popcorn, but we tried it and determined that there are better uses for this variety.  Matures approximately 120 days after sowing.  Each packet contains a minimum of 50 seeds.

Gardener holding seedlings
person holding seedlings

How to Grow Corn

Corn performs best in soil that is well-drained, but also able to hold onto some moisture, as corn tends to use quite a bit of water during its active growth phase.  Working in a healthy dose of well-composted manure in the fall will ensure that the rapidly growing plants receive adequate water and nutrition. 

After danger of frost has passed and soil temps have reached 55 degrees, sow seeds 9-12" apart, 1" deep, in rows 24-36" apart.  To maximize pollination use a paired row or square plot configuration.  Under ideal conditions, germination will occur in 7-10 days.

Not recommended

Insect Pests

Biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis can be effecting in controlling common corn pests like corn borer and earworm.  Aphids, Japanese beetles, and other hard-shelled insects can be controlled with a simple homemade insecticidal soap solution.

Diseases & Other Problems

Corn is susceptible to a number of plant diseases.  Consult your local extension office to learn which diseases are most prevalent in your region. Crop rotation, tillage, and removal of plant debris are all effective tools in managing common corn diseases.

Sweet corn is ready to harvest approximately 21 days after pollination. At peak, the kernel tips should be rounded and glossy. Shelling corn can be harvested once the husks have dried and the kernels have sufficiently hardened.  To test for maturity, pull back the husk and remove a kernel from the ear.  If the tip at the base of the kernel breaks off to reveal a brown "abscission" layer, the ears are ready to harvest.

CONSIDERATIONS:

To maintain genetic diversity, save seed from at least 50 to 100 plants.  If open-pollinated, plants should be isolated from other corn varieties by at least 1/4 mile.  Otherwise, hand-pollination can be performed.

HARVESTING SEED:

Wait until ears have reached full maturity and the kernels cannot be pierced by your fingernail. Peel back the husk and harvest the ear by pulling down and twisting. Place in a mesh bag or basket and allow to continue to dry for two weeks. Shell ears using a manual corn shelling tool or tightly grip a gloved hand around the ear and twist to separate the kernels from the cob. Winnow to remove any chaff and store in an airtight container until ready to use.

SEED LONGETIVITY:

Corn seeds will maintain 50% viability for three years when stored in a cool, dark place.

Hand pollinating corn

Customer Reviews

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T
Tracy McDonough
Quick Order Fulfillment

I got my order a lot sooner than I expected. I am waiting to plant these when the frost is mo longer a factor, and am hoping for some beautiful corn for my personal garden. I appreciate the great service and will order again.

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