Glass Gem produces translucent, jewel-colored ears. Photo: Native Seeds/Search
Nature’s Art: Glass Gem Corn
Have you ever seen such a beautiful piece of art? I was amazed by this stunning image when I discovered it on Pinterest last spring. I couldn’t determine if it was a beautiful piece of glass art or a real ear of corn. It is, in fact, Glass Gem Corn, a glorious piece of nature’s art.
So lovely and jewel-colored, this heirloom “popcorn” variety was a sensation on Pinterest and Facebook last year. I quickly tracked down the supplier — Native Seeds — only to learn that the corn was no longer available for 2012. However, I could put my name on a waiting list and be contacted when it became available again.
Just after the New Year I received an email from Chris Schmidt of Native Seeds informing me that I was eligible to purchase a packet of these fabulous corn seeds! I wasted no time in making my order, which required going to a special password-protected website to gain access. Only those who were on the waiting list could purchase the marvelous maize.
Two days later my order, including one 50-seed packet of Glass Gem Corn, arrived. (Native Seeds offers a variety of hard-to-find heirlooms seeds – more on the rest of my order in a future post).
This will be my first attempt at growing corn and the odds of a successful harvest are not in my favor. The cool, wet springs and blazing hot summers of northern Idaho are far from optimal corn growing conditions. Add to that, I’m planting a corn variety which was developed and grown in the Southwest and requires 110 days to harvest. I’ll be searching out the warmest, most protected spot in the garden to give this beauty the fighting chance it deserves.
We gardeners are eternal optimists, and besides, who wouldn’t want to give this stunning heirloom a try? With a little luck, I’ll have a couple of Glass Gems tucked in the Cornucopia come October.
Read the full story on Glass Gem Corn and put your name on the waiting list for next year’s seeds!
Hi, Candace,
I have the best luck growing corn up here in the Inland Northwest when I sprout the corn before planting it. I have neighbors who even start the corn indoors in peat pots to get a jump on the growing season.
Good luck with the Glass Gem! I look forward to reading about how it grows.
Hi Therese, I just might try starting corn indoors…since I start my tomatoes inside, adding a few pots of corn will be easy. I’ve heard corn can be fussy in transplanting, but it’s worth a try! Thanks for your suggestions and thanks for reading The CdA Coop!
*Squeals with joy* I’ve been trying to get glass gem since 2008 and just got my first packet of pure happiness this year as well:D I live in CDA and hope for success. Are you going to soak first or no?
Hi Mary, I don’t think I’m going to soak the seeds, just plant them and see what happens. I’m still trying to figure out the best in the yard to plant it too. It will be fun to compare how our crops grow! Keep me posted! — Candace
I would love to plant some Glass Gem corn but can’t seem to locate any seed. Anyone have any extra to sell? I only just discovered this jewel! I live on the topside of Kansas.
Hi Jeanie, Have you tried getting on the waiting list at Native Seeds (http://www.nativeseeds.org). I did this last spring and was able to purchase seeds this year. If I have any extra seed, I’ll let you know (won’t be planting until late May). — Candace