Sweet Corn
Martian Jewels Sweet Corn transforms any garden into a galactic spectacle with its jaw-dropping visual drama. This extraordinary corn variety unveils layers of otherworldly beauty, from its dark burgundy husks and bi-colored green and burgundy foliage to the stunning white kernels perched on a deep scarlet cob. Standing 6 to 8 feet tall, this 75-day marvel was originally developed through an innovative series of crosses by Alan Kapuler of Peace Seeds, incorporating flour corn, sugary corn, and sugary enhanced genetics into its complex lineage.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-10
96in H x 6in W
Annual
Moderate
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What sets Martian Jewels apart is its theatrical reveal, peeling back the dark burgundy husk exposes brilliant white kernels that deliver sweet, milky flavor while showcasing the stunning scarlet cob beneath. This unique corn pulls triple duty in the kitchen, functioning as sweet corn for immediate eating, cooking corn for hearty preparations, and flour corn for grinding. The bi-colored foliage creates garden drama throughout the growing season, making this variety as ornamental as it is delicious.
This versatile corn excels in multiple kitchen applications, serving fresh as sweet corn when harvested at peak ripeness, cooking corn for hearty dishes and preparations, and flour corn for grinding into meal. The dramatic visual presentation makes it particularly valued for special occasions and farmers markets, where its stunning burgundy husks and scarlet cobs create an unforgettable impression alongside its sweet, milky flavor.
Not recommended as corn roots are sensitive to transplanting, though if starting indoors is necessary, transplant seedlings when less than 2 weeks old to minimize root disturbance.
Direct sow 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date when soil temperature reaches at least 60°F, ideally between 65-90°F. Plant seeds in furrows about 1 inch deep, initially spacing them 3 to 4 inches apart.
Monitor ears regularly as they fill out, checking for peak sweetness by peeling back the husk and pressing your thumbnail into a kernel. When the kernel pops open and yields sweet, milky fluid, the corn is ready for immediate harvest. Open-pollinated corn like Martian Jewels has a narrow window of peak ripeness, so check daily once ears begin to mature and harvest promptly for the best flavor.
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“Martian Jewels emerged from the innovative breeding work of Alan Kapuler at Peace Seeds, who created an original series of crosses to develop this visually stunning variety. Kapuler incorporated multiple corn types into its parentage, flour corn, sugary corn, and sugary enhanced corns, to create a unique cultivar that bridges the gap between ornamental beauty and culinary versatility. This thoughtful breeding approach resulted in a corn that honors traditional uses while offering modern gardeners something truly extraordinary.”