VegetableCorn
Glass Gem
Flint Corn
Glass Gem Corn is a breathtaking Cherokee heirloom that transforms the ordinary act of husking an ear into pure magic. Each translucent kernel gleams like stained glass in jewel tones of turquoise, purple, gold, and crimson, creating ears so stunning they've become internet sensations. Developed by part-Cherokee farmer Carl Barnes as a way to reconnect with his heritage, this open-pollinated variety reaches 6 to 8 feet tall and takes 110 to 120 days to mature in zones 2 through 13. The ears range from 3 to 8 inches long, and no two are ever alike in their brilliant color combinations.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-13
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Organic Matter
Preferred Temp75-85°F
Growth Stats
96 in
Height
6 in
Width
10 in
Spacing
110–120
Days to Harvest
PeriodAnnual
TypeStalk
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
2-13
Size
96in H x 6in W
Growth
Annual
Care
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
What sets Glass Gem apart is its translucent seed coat that allows the white endocarp to shine through, creating the illusion of glowing gemstones. Each plant produces multiple ears through numerous tillers, and the color intensity becomes most vivid when ears are allowed to dry completely to a hard, glossy finish. This isn't just ornamental eye candy either - the kernels can be ground into cornmeal, popped into popcorn, or used for flour, making it both beautiful and functional.
Common Uses
Glass Gem serves triple duty as an ornamental showpiece, practical popcorn, and ingredient for traditional preparations. The mature kernels can be ground into cornmeal or flour for baking, popped as colorful popcorn, or used for parching. Many gardeners grow it primarily for decoration, using the stunning dried ears in fall displays and crafts, while others appreciate its functionality in the kitchen for creating unique, colorful cornbread and other traditional corn-based dishes.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Early Summer
First Harvest
Late Summer
Last Harvest
Early Fall
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before the desired transplant date, being careful not to let starts become root bound and avoiding root damage when transplanting.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F, handling seedlings carefully to avoid damaging the sensitive corn root system.
Direct Sow
Sow directly outdoors in early to mid-May when soil has warmed, creating furrows 6 to 8 inches deep, spreading fertilizer, then backfilling and planting seeds 1 inch deep.
Harvesting
For the most intense and translucent colors, harvest Glass Gem when the husks are completely dry and brown and the kernels are hard and glossy. Pull ears downward while twisting to remove them from the stalk. If necessary, bring husked ears under cover to complete drying in a dry, airy place for several weeks. The ideal moisture content for popping is 13 to 14.5 percent, which you can test by periodic popping trials.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Zea L.
Family
Poaceae
Genus
Zea
Duration
Annual
Growth Habit
Upright
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)VI (I)CAN (I)
History & Origin
“Glass Gem Corn carries the remarkable story of Carl Barnes, a part-Cherokee farmer and breeder from Oklahoma who developed this variety as a way of reconnecting with his indigenous heritage. Barnes created Glass Gem by crossing a mixture of traditional Native American corns, including various popcorns and flour corns, then carefully selecting seed from the most vivid and translucent kernels over many years. After Barnes' work was complete, the variety was gifted to Native Seeds/SEARCH through Bill McDorman, who had acquired the seed from Greg Schoen, one of Carl's dedicated students, ensuring this stunning corn would reach gardeners worldwide.”