{"product_id":"20-glass-gem-corn-seeds-ornamental-corn","title":"20+ Glass Gem Corn Seeds, Ornamental Corn","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGlass Gem Corn Seeds, Ornamental Corn (Zea mays)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e produce tall, vigorous stalks bearing spectacular ears filled with glossy, translucent kernels in shades of blue, purple, pink, red, green, yellow, orange, and pearl white. Every ear develops a unique combination of jewel-like colors, making this open-pollinated heirloom variety especially popular for autumn displays, crafts, table decorations, and seed-saving projects. Glass Gem is a flint or popcorn-type corn rather than sweet corn. Once fully dried, its edible kernels can be popped or ground into colorful cornmeal, although the popped corn will not retain the original rainbow colors. Plants generally grow approximately 6–9 feet tall and produce ears around 3–8 inches long.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting Season\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest planted in: Late Spring \u0026amp; Early Summer (Warm-Season Crop)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSow directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature has reached at least 60°F (16°C). This long-season corn should be planted approximately 110–120 days before the first expected autumn frost so the ears have enough time to mature and dry properly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow to Grow Glass Gem Corn Seeds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDirect sow the seeds outdoors because corn generally performs best when its roots are not disturbed by transplanting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoose a location receiving at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrow in fertile, loose, well-drained soil enriched with compost or well-aged organic matter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSow seeds 1–2 inches deep. Plant closer to 1 inch deep in heavy soil and up to 2 inches deep in light, sandy soil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpace seeds approximately 8–12 inches apart, with rows spaced 30–36 inches apart.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant in a block of at least four short rows rather than one long row. Corn is wind-pollinated, and block planting helps pollen reach the silks and produces fuller ears with fewer missing kernels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain soil temperatures between approximately 60–90°F (16–32°C), with warmer soil encouraging faster germination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeeds typically germinate within 7–14 days under suitable conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThin seedlings to the strongest plant every 8–12 inches once they are several inches tall.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo preserve the distinctive colors and seed purity, separate Glass Gem from other corn varieties by approximately 300 feet when possible. Alternatively, stagger planting dates so different varieties do not release pollen at the same time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow to Care for Glass Gem Corn Plants\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater deeply and consistently, providing at least 1 inch of water per week and more during hot or dry weather.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConsistent moisture is especially important during tasseling, silking, pollination, and ear development.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater near the base of the stalks rather than frequently wetting the foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrepare the soil with compost before planting. Corn is a heavy feeder and performs best in nutrient-rich soil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApply a balanced fertilizer during early growth, then side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer when the plants are approximately knee-high and again as tassels begin to appear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMulch around established plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRemove weeds carefully with shallow cultivation because corn roots grow close to the soil surface.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGlass Gem stalks are generally self-supporting, but planting in blocks and lightly mounding soil around the bases can improve stability in windy locations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAllow the ears to mature completely on the stalks. Harvest when the husks have turned brown, dry, and papery and the kernels feel hard and glossy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAfter harvesting, pull back or remove the husks and cure the ears in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location for several additional weeks before using them for decorations, storage, popping, or grinding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlants typically mature in approximately 105–120 days after sowing, depending on climate and growing conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Srk Garden","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52497302028570,"sku":"V095","price":4.69,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0894\/5657\/4746\/files\/1_bc476ea2-1b0a-49d0-a1d1-136d1f56b306.png?v=1784047035","url":"https:\/\/srkgarden.com\/products\/20-glass-gem-corn-seeds-ornamental-corn","provider":"Srk Garden","version":"1.0","type":"link"}