Do you love trying new things in your garden? Planting different vegetables, fruits, and herbs that you’ve never grown before?
Ornamental plants and flowers may be what you typically think of when you consider adding new varieties to your garden, but have you ever thought about growing something unique like glass gem corn?
Glass Gem Corn is a type of flint corn developed by Cherokee farmer Carl Barnes. This stunning variety of heirloom corn features colorful kernels in a range of hues, from deep blue to rich purple. The kernels are so vibrant that they almost look like gems, hence the name.
Over the years, it’s caught the eye of gardeners and farmers alike for its beauty. Imagine growing a corn type with stunningly beautiful kernels in a rainbow of colors! They can be consumed just like any other type of corn, can be used for grinding, and can be turned into flour, popping, or simply for decoration.
Getting Started with Glass Gem Corn Seeds
Glass Gem corn is a heritage variety that was once popular among Native American tribes. It is now enjoying something of a renaissance as more and more people are discovering the beauty and flavor of this unique corn. They’re an incredible sight in any garden and make for a beautiful and bountiful harvest.
Is it Difficult to Grow Glass Gem Corn?
Surprisingly, this type of corn is not difficult to grow. In fact, similar to other types of corn, glass gem corn is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
Glass gem corn is a beautiful and unique addition to any garden and is well worth the effort to grow. As delicate as they look, maintaining and harvesting this stunning corn crop is similar to other types of corn.
Sourcing Glass Gem Corn Seeds
Because of its delicate nature, glass gem corn is best grown from seed. One of the best things about these seeds is that they can be saved and passed down from generation to generation.
Although they’re more expensive than other corn varieties, nothing beats the satisfaction of adding a hint of vibrant colors to your fall garden and being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor in the form of fresh glass gem corn on the cob!
Beautiful and rare, glass gem corn seeds may be harder to find than other corn varieties. Here are some tips on where to source these unique seeds:
Local Farmers’ Markets
One of the best places to find Glass Gem corn seeds is at your local farmer’s market. You can often find farmers who specialize in heirloom seeds, and they will be more than happy to sell you a few kernels of this beautiful corn.
When sourcing seeds from a farmer’s market, it is important to ensure that they are reputable and have a good reputation for selling high-quality seeds. You may also want to ask if the farmer knows of any upcoming events where you can purchase seeds directly from the farmers.
Seed Catalogs
One of the common challenges when it comes to sourcing glass gem corn seeds is that they are not widely available in stores. However, you can find them in some seed catalogs.
Depending on where you live, there may be a few local companies that sell glass gem corn seeds. You can also check online seed catalogs, as they are more likely to have a wider selection of heirloom seeds.
Seed Swaps
Local and online communities that focus on gardening often have seed swaps. This is a great way to get your hands on glass gem corn seeds, as well as other rare and exotic seeds.
The quality of seeds plays an important role in the success of your gardening endeavors. Its germination rate, for one, will determine how many of your seeds will actually grow into full-fledged plants.
Most of the time, these events are organized by plant enthusiasts, so you can be sure that the seeds being exchanged are of good quality.
Online Seed Retailers
If you’re having trouble finding glass gem corn seeds in your local area, you can always turn to the internet. There are many online retailers that sell heirloom seeds, and glass gem corn seeds are widely available.
When buying seeds online, it is important to make sure that you are dealing with a reputable seller. One way to do this is to check for customer reviews. This will give you an idea of the quality of the seeds being sold and the level of customer service provided by the seller.
Online Gardening Communities
Take advantage of your Facebook and Twitter networks and post a query about where you can purchase glass gem corn seeds. It’s likely that somebody in your social media circle knows where you can find these rare seeds.
You can also try posting in online gardening forums and communities. These are great places to connect with other gardeners who may be able to help you source the seeds that you need.
Another great way to source glass gem corn seeds is through online gardening communities. There are many active forums and groups dedicated to gardening, and you will often find members who are
Tips on Growing a Bountiful Harvest of Glass Gem Corn
Once you’ve sourced your glass gem corn seeds, it’s time to start growing! We can’t reiterate how important it is to start with healthy seeds. This may be the difference between a bountiful harvest and a disappointing one.
Here are a few tips on how you can grow a bountiful harvest of this beautiful corn:
Prepare Your Soil
Glass gem corn grows best in rich, loamy soil that is well-drained but not too dry. Soil that’s too dry will cause the kernels to shrivel and die, while soil that’s too wet will encourage the growth of mold and mildew.
It is also important to add some organic matter to your soil, as this will help improve its drainage and aeration. You can do this by adding compost or manure to your planting bed.
Location Matters
Hardy in USDA zones 1 to 11, glass gem corn can be grown in a wide range of climates. However, it is best to plant this corn in an area that receives full sun. Glass gem corn, like other corn varieties, is a warm-season crop.
This means that it needs to be planted when the soil has warmed up, and there is no longer any risk of frost. This will be sometime in late May or early June in most parts of the country.
Plant Your Seeds
You can begin growing your own Glass Gem corn as soon as the soil in your garden is warm enough to plant in.
Remember that you’ll also need to plant your seeds about an inch deep and then thin out the seedlings to be about 18 inches apart. You should also make sure to keep your corn plants well-watered, as they will need about an inch of water per week.
Fertilize Your Plants
About two weeks after planting, you should fertilize your glass gem corn plants. You can use a standard fertilizer, or you can opt for an organic alternative. Either way, make sure to follow the instructions on the package so that you don’t over-fertilize your plants.
Harvest Time
From the time you plant your seeds until the time you harvest your corn, you can expect the whole process to take about 90 to 100 days.
You will know that your corn is ready to harvest when the kernels are plump and firm. You can test this by gently pressing on a kernel with your fingernail. If it pops open easily, then it is not quite ready yet. If it takes a little bit of pressure to break open, then it is perfect for harvest!
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