Zea mays. 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
Zea mays. 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. From our Seed Bank Collection.
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.
Packet size 10g/approx. 50 seeds
Seed Saver Size includes approx 50g/250 seeds plus information on corn pollination and seed saving.
Limit 3 packets.
All photos shown here are copyrighted by Greg Schoen and used with permission.
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Glass Gem Corn: Poster Child For The Return To Heirloom Seeds : NPR
GLASS GEM CORN Zea mays ORGANIC & BIODYNAMIC An incredible feat of amateur breeding, Glass Gem was bred by Oklahoma farmer Carl Barnes and stewarded
Glass Gem — Farmacie Isolde
Glass Gem corn produces the most beautiful, jewel-toned ears you’ll ever see, with kernels in a rainbow of shiny, translucent colors. It's edible too! Great for popcorn, grits or cornmeal.
Carl's Glass Gem Corn Seeds
Glassy, translucent kernels of unparalleled beauty. Plants are strong, reaching 8-10' tall and high-yielding. Each 5-8 ear displays a gorgeous, unique variation of colors ranging from purples, greens and blues to oranges, yellows, pinks and deep reds. Though ornamental, kernels can be popped, ground or parched.
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