- The kernels may be ground into cornmeal or popped.
- Size of ears range from 3-8 inches.
- Height of plants depend upon water, but can reach up to 9 feet, typically 6 feet.
- Glass Gem can be harvested approx. 110-120 days after planting when the husks are dry and brown for the most intense and translucent colors.
Glass Gem
Gorgeous translucent, jewel-colored ears, each one unique. A stunning variety selected over many years by Carl Barnes, a part-Cherokee farmer and breeder from Oklahoma. Selected from crossing several traditional corn varieties and saving seed from the vivid, translucent kernels. Gifted to NS/S by Bill McDorman who acquired the seed from Greg Schoen, one of Carl’s students. To read the story behind this magnificent corn, check out this Native Seeds Blog post .
- The kernels may be ground into cornmeal or popped.
- Size of ears range from 3-8 inches.
- Height of plants depend upon water, but can reach up to 9 feet, typically 6 feet.
- Glass Gem can be harvested approx. 110-120 days after planting when the husks are dry and brown for the most intense and translucent colors.
All photos shown here are copyrighted by Greg Schoen and used with permission.
Packet size 9g/approx. 50 seeds;
Seed Saver Size includes approx 35g/250 seeds plus information on corn pollination and seed saving.
Instructions – Sow seeds outdoors 1″ deep after danger of frost has passed. For good pollination and full ears, plant in blocks of 3-6 rows instead of one long row. Thin seedlings to 8″ apart. Corn is a heavy feeder and does best in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of water.
Glass Gem Corn
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Item Details
Great for crafts and display, for grinding into cornmeal, or for popcorn, glass gem corn is a versatile variety bears ears with an array of jewel-toned kernels. Developed by Seed Savers Exchange member Carl Barnes and stewarded by his protégé Greg Schoen, Glass Gem produces 1-2 ears per stalk, each 6-8″ long on plants 8-10′ tall. Late maturing, 110 days. ±2,500 seeds/lb.
Learn to Grow Glass Gem Corn
Direct Seed: 4″ Apart
Germination: 4-21 Days
Rows Apart: 36-48″
Instructions – Sow seeds outdoors 1″ deep after danger of frost has passed. For good pollination and full ears, plant in blocks of 3-6 rows instead of one long row. Thin seedlings to 8″ apart. Corn is a heavy feeder and does best in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of water.
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Seed Savers Exchange
3094 North Winn Road
Decorah, Iowa 52101