Friends, rather than selling and shipping seeds, we now share seeds as an embodied gift practice. We are shipping all orders prior to August 28th as quick as we can, though your seeds may not arrive ’til October. Thanks for your patience and grace! Learn how to receive seeds from us & here are our FAQs.
Opening each ear of Glass Gem Corn is like unwrapping a gift. Each vivid, translucent kernel is a unique hue of lavender, indigo, chartreuse, pink grapefruit and cream with hundreds of hues in between. Though typically grown as an ornamental, Glass Gem is also a scrumptious flour corn and we love to enjoy its rich, nutty polenta.
Our Glass Gem has a larger ear size than most Glass Gem with ears averaging 8 inches and early maturity compared to other strains. With abundant fertility and water, we get 6-8 side shoots each producing 1-3 additional ears. Glass Gem is a new variety developed by Carl Barnes, a part-Cherokee farmer and breeder from Oklahoma.
Planting Method:Â Direct Sow Only
When to sow: Once soil temperatures are at least 65°F (mid-May to mid June) — seeds will rot in cooler temps.
Sowing and seedling care: Sow 6” apart (or 2 every 12”), and watch out for crows who like to eat germinating corn! For well-filled ears, sow in blocks rather than rows. Thin. Resist removing side-stalk ’tillers’ from this variety as they often produce 3-4 ears per stalk.
Seed Depth:  3/4 – 1 inch   Sun Needs: Full
Days to Germination: 4-7 days at 75°F; 10 at 65°F
Spacing after thinning: 12 inches; rows 30-36″ apart
Days to Harvest: 115
Height:Â 6 feet
Harvest:Â Harvest when ears and stalks turn golden brown in fall. Peel husks back and dry out of the sun for 2 weeks with fans.
chroberson17 –
Just stunning, and so easy! This seed produced healthy stalks with multiple multicolored ears! They needed nothing more than a little thinning to ensure proper spacing. I allowed the stalks to dry, and at harvest made the most beautiful fall decor to share with family and friends. This is absolutely a must sow if you are looking to grow something lovely.
Heather –
Awww Yay! Thanks for sharing them with the people that you love! They truly are a glorious sight and I am so glad that you had a joyful and easy time growing them 🙂 Don’t hesitate to reach out anytime!- Heather & The Fruition Crew
Kati –
As I’m buying more feel I should write a review – the first year I tried these seeds I didn’t pay them much attention, and they thrived! As described, each ear is a surprise. It’s been my absolute favorite new plant to grow (though last year the squirrels agreed), and make such a great gift to give to others.
Sylvia –
Thanks Kati for sharing your experience!