Organic 'Glass Gem' popcorn

Organic 'Glass Gem' popcorn (Zea mays) from Gaia seed company, a legendary multicoloured corn with translucent, jewel-like kernels

'Glass Gem' corn is one of the world's most celebrated heirloom varieties, created by Carl Barnes , a Cherokee farmer from Oklahoma who patiently selected native lines to preserve their beauty and history. Each ear is a living work of art: translucent , vibrant kernels in every shade of amber, turquoise, purple, coral, jade, and pearl . No two ears are alike, making this variety particularly magical both in the garden and when dried for decorative purposes.

The robust plants, reaching 6 to 8 feet in height , bear several 7- to 8-inch ears, suitable for popcorn —deliciously crunchy and slightly sweet—or for fine, colored cornmeal . An open-pollinated variety, it requires a relatively long growing season, hence the advantage of starting it indoors in northern climates.

Companion plants : Beans, Cucumber, Melon, Parsley, Potato, Pumpkin, Squash
Enemy plants : Tomato

Spread/Habit : Tall, sturdy stems, several spikes per plant
Plant height : 180 to 240 cm
Quantity per packet : 60 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Translucent multicolored kernels, Cherokee heirloom variety, excellent for popcorn and flour, unique ears

Leaf color : Bright green
Texture/flavor : Crispy popcorn, soft and aromatic flour
Cold tolerance : Poor tolerance (heat plant)

Farming method

Sow directly when the soil reaches 19°C (66°F) , or start seeds indoors to enjoy the entire season. Sow seeds 2.5–5 cm (1–2 inches) deep. Plant in full sun (level 3) with ample watering (level 3). Space plants 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) apart and rows 60–90 cm (24–35 inches) apart. For good pollination, sow in clumps rather than long rows. Germination takes 5–8 days at temperatures between 15–32°C (59–90°F) (optimum 29–90°C / 84–90°F).

Harvesting and preservation

Harvest when the silks have dried , the kernels are plump , and they have reached their final color . To dry the ears: fold all the husks towards one end, tie them together, and then hang them in a dry, warm, and well-ventilated place for a few weeks. The colors become even more vibrant once dry.

Usage ideas

• In multicoloured popcorn , as beautiful as it is delicious
• To make colored flour for bread, tortillas or polenta
• Dried ears of corn for autumn decoration
• As an educational or artistic variety in school gardens
• For personal selection to create your own colored lines

'Glass Gem' corn is a living treasure: a breathtakingly beautiful heirloom variety, a valuable Cherokee legacy, and a delicious food. A seed to grow as much for its aesthetics as for its taste… and for the magic it brings to the garden.