Item Number: SNV8532
Glass Gem Corn Seeds (Organic)
Glass Gem Corn Seeds (Organic)
Glass Gem Corn: Very Colorful Ears with Many Uses
Corn - Glass Gem - Zea mays
Tender Annual Glass Gem grows 3-8" ears that are a rainbow of translucent colors. Corn can be used as decorative but is also good for eating. Can make cornbread, hominy, grits or popcorn from the colorful kernels.
Did You Know? This variety was bred by Carl "White Eagle" Barnes, the famous Cherokee corn collector. His life's work was collecting and preserving many native corn varieties.
Soil Temperature: 70-85°F
Planting Depth: 1"
Germination: 4-12 Days
Height At Maturity: 6-9'
Days to Maturity: 110-120 Days
Sun/Shade: Full Sun
Spacing After Thinning: 8"
Approx Seeds per Pack: 50 Seeds
The story of Glass Gem Corn, a colorful corn cultivar, is deeply intertwined with Native American heritage and the principles of seed saving. This captivating variety of flint corn was brought to prominence by Carl Barnes, an Oklahoma farmer of part Cherokee descent. His passion for preserving Native American corn varieties led him to develop Glass Gem Corn, a striking example of agricultural artistry and genetic diversity.
Carl Barnes, in his quest to reconnect with his Cherokee heritage, began collecting, growing, and isolating traditional corn varieties found in remote parts of the United States. Among these was the Pawnee miniature, a small, multicolored corn, which played a crucial role in the development of Glass Gem. Barnes' meticulous seed saving efforts and his deep understanding of corn's genetic traits culminated in the creation of this colorful corn.
The story of Glass Gem took a new turn when Barnes met Greg Schoen, a fellow seed saver, in 1994. Schoen was captivated by the beauty and diversity of Barnes' corn collection. In 2005, Barnes entrusted Schoen with his seeds, including those of Glass Gem Corn. Schoen continued to cultivate and share these seeds, which eventually caught the attention of Bill McDorman, then the executive director of Native Seeds/SEARCH, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving indigenous crops.
Under the stewardship of Native Seeds/SEARCH, the story of Glass Gem Corn gained widespread attention. The seeds were distributed more broadly, making their way into the hands of enthusiastic gardeners and farmers who were drawn to its stunning appearance and the rich cultural history it represented. The corn's kernels, shining in an array of colors, are not just visually spectacular but also symbolize the diversity of Native American corn varieties.
While Glass Gem Corn is primarily grown for its ornamental value, it is a type of flint corn, known for its hard, starchy kernels. This makes it ideal for being ground into cornmeal, offering a nutritious and flavorful ingredient for various culinary uses. Its cultivation, apart from being a visual delight, serves as a reminder of the importance of seed saving and agricultural diversity, preserving the legacy of Carl Barnes and the rich heritage of Native American corn varieties.
For more information on growing corn, see our Growing Guide in the Resource Center.
Photo provided by Koby Guye
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Description
Description
Corn - Glass Gem - Zea mays
Tender Annual Glass Gem grows 3-8" ears that are a rainbow of translucent colors. Corn can be used as decorative but is also good for eating. Can make cornbread, hominy, grits or popcorn from the colorful kernels.
Did You Know? This variety was bred by Carl "White Eagle" Barnes, the famous Cherokee corn collector. His life's work was collecting and preserving many native corn varieties.
Soil Temperature: 70-85°F
Planting Depth: 1"
Germination: 4-12 Days
Height At Maturity: 6-9'
Days to Maturity: 110-120 Days
Sun/Shade: Full Sun
Spacing After Thinning: 8"
Approx Seeds per Pack: 50 Seeds
The story of Glass Gem Corn, a colorful corn cultivar, is deeply intertwined with Native American heritage and the principles of seed saving. This captivating variety of flint corn was brought to prominence by Carl Barnes, an Oklahoma farmer of part Cherokee descent. His passion for preserving Native American corn varieties led him to develop Glass Gem Corn, a striking example of agricultural artistry and genetic diversity.
Carl Barnes, in his quest to reconnect with his Cherokee heritage, began collecting, growing, and isolating traditional corn varieties found in remote parts of the United States. Among these was the Pawnee miniature, a small, multicolored corn, which played a crucial role in the development of Glass Gem. Barnes' meticulous seed saving efforts and his deep understanding of corn's genetic traits culminated in the creation of this colorful corn.
The story of Glass Gem took a new turn when Barnes met Greg Schoen, a fellow seed saver, in 1994. Schoen was captivated by the beauty and diversity of Barnes' corn collection. In 2005, Barnes entrusted Schoen with his seeds, including those of Glass Gem Corn. Schoen continued to cultivate and share these seeds, which eventually caught the attention of Bill McDorman, then the executive director of Native Seeds/SEARCH, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving indigenous crops.
Under the stewardship of Native Seeds/SEARCH, the story of Glass Gem Corn gained widespread attention. The seeds were distributed more broadly, making their way into the hands of enthusiastic gardeners and farmers who were drawn to its stunning appearance and the rich cultural history it represented. The corn's kernels, shining in an array of colors, are not just visually spectacular but also symbolize the diversity of Native American corn varieties.
While Glass Gem Corn is primarily grown for its ornamental value, it is a type of flint corn, known for its hard, starchy kernels. This makes it ideal for being ground into cornmeal, offering a nutritious and flavorful ingredient for various culinary uses. Its cultivation, apart from being a visual delight, serves as a reminder of the importance of seed saving and agricultural diversity, preserving the legacy of Carl Barnes and the rich heritage of Native American corn varieties.
For more information on growing corn, see our Growing Guide in the Resource Center.
Photo provided by Koby Guye
Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply brand seeds 
are guaranteed to germinate. Once the seeds have sprouted, please understand that Peaceful Valley cannot be held responsible for the many uncontrollable growing and climatic conditions that must be met to ensure the success of your crop(s). Peaceful Valley brand vegetable seeds are all non-GMO and Certified Organic.
Buy with confidence and plant the best!
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
Shipping Weight: 0.03 lb
Dimensions: 4.5"L x 3.25"W x 0.1"H
Features
Features
- Good Keeper
- Open-Pollinated
Characteristics
Characteristics
Planting & Care
Planting & Care
Soil and Water: Corn is a heavy feeder requiring high amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). Its weak and shallow root system likes loose soil with a high compost content.
Planting and Growing: Sow seeds directly outdoors 1 week after the last frost. You can start earlier by using black or green plastic mulches and floating row covers to obtain optimum conditions. Plant in blocks rather than rows to ensure good germination. To prevent cross-pollination, plant different varieties at least 500'.
Harvesting and Storage: Harvest when the husks are dry and brown. You will see the most translucent colors at this stage. Can be ground into meal or used for ornamental.
Useful Information
Useful Information
Guarantee
Guarantee
Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply brand vegetable seeds are guaranteed to germinate. Once the seeds have sprouted, please understand that Peaceful Valley cannot be held responsible for the many uncontrollable growing and climatic conditions that must be met to ensure the success of your crop(s).
