Ornamental Glass Gem Corn

Glass Gem is a dazzling ornamental heirloom corn with translucent kernels in deep shades of blue, green, purple, orange, white, pink, yellow, and red that shine like glass. It is wonderful strung into jewelry and decorations, popped like popcorn, or ground into flour.

At a glance

• Variety: Glass Gem corn (Zea mays)
• Type: Ornamental flint corn, open-pollinated, non-GMO
• Kernels: Translucent, multicolored, glass-like
• Sun: Full sun
• Uses: Decoration, popping, flour

Best for

• Colorful autumn decorations
• Jewelry and craft projects
• Popping as small popcorn
• Grinding into cornmeal or flour
• Showpiece and seed-saving gardens

How to grow

Direct sow after the soil has warmed and frost has passed, planting in blocks of several short rows rather than a single line for good pollination. Grow in full sun with fertile soil and water consistently. Let ears dry fully on the stalk before harvesting for color, popping, or grinding.

Flavor profile

Mild and corn-like when popped or milled, though the variety is grown mainly for its stunning color.

About MIgardener

MIgardener is a Michigan-based family company offering affordable, non-GMO heirloom seeds and gardening supplies, with a mission to make growing your own food simple and accessible.