Ears of Glass Gem Popping Corn on a white background.
A close-up of Glass Gem Popping Corn kernels.
Four colorful Glass Gem Popping Corn on the cob with marbles on a white background.
A close-up of Glass Gem Popping Corn kernels on the cob. Image courtesy of Lucy Hutchins.
Eight cobs of Glass Gem Popping Corn leaning against a white wall.
A close-up view of three colorful Glass Gem Popping Corn cobs.
A half dozen Glass Gem Popping Corn cobs on a white background.
Three cobs of Glass Gem Popping Corn with bright colored kernels.
Ears of Glass Gem Popping Corn on a white background.
A close-up of Glass Gem Popping Corn kernels.
Four colorful Glass Gem Popping Corn on the cob with marbles on a white background.
A close-up of Glass Gem Popping Corn kernels on the cob. Image courtesy of Lucy Hutchins.
Eight cobs of Glass Gem Popping Corn leaning against a white wall.
A close-up view of three colorful Glass Gem Popping Corn cobs.
A half dozen Glass Gem Popping Corn cobs on a white background.
Three cobs of Glass Gem Popping Corn with bright colored kernels.

Corn Seeds,
Glass Gem Popping

4.1102 Reviews#CN162 · 75 seeds
Price
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Description

(Zea mays) Popcorn. Amazing color! There’s something truly special about this corn—it feels less like a crop and more like a living story. Each ear glows with translucent kernels in an endless range of colors, like strands of glass beads catching the sunlight. Glass Gem was carefully brought together through the lifelong work of Carl Barnes, who dedicated himself to honoring and preserving traditional Native corn varieties with care and respect. The plants grow tall and strong, producing beautiful ears that are as nourishing as they are meaningful—popping into firm, satisfying bites or grinding into meal for shared meals. It’s a celebration of color, culture, and the quiet wisdom of seed keepers who came before.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Zea mays
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
7–10
Days to Maturity
105
Planting Depth
1–2 in.
Plant Spacing
12 in.
Ideal Temperature
60°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Sow Glass Gem corn seeds directly outdoors when soil temperatures reach about 60 degrees F, after all danger of frost is past. This corn requires about 105 days to mature, with sprouts forming in 7-10 days. The ideal growing temperature is 75-80 F. In cooler climates, black plastic can be used to warm the soil before planting​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Direct sowing is recommended for Glass Gem corn. Plant seeds 1 to 2 inches deep, spaced 3 to 4 inches apart, in rows 24 to 30 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart once they are a few inches tall. Planting in blocks of at least four rows ensures better pollination, as corn relies on wind to spread pollen. Ensure good soil fertility by adding compost and nitrogen-rich fertilizers during planting​​.

How to Grow

Keep the soil moist and free from weeds, using mulch if necessary to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Monitoring soil moisture levels and applying water consistently will help ensure healthy growth. Diseases such as common smut and leaf rust can be mitigated by ensuring good air circulation and practicing crop rotation​​.

How to Save Seeds

  • Corn is wind pollinated and will easily cross with other varieties (including GMO corn!). You will need at least 1 mile of isolation to avoid cross pollination. You can also use staggered timing or caging techniques.
  • Hand pick ears when fully dried on stalk. Seeds keep best if left on the ear; just remove at planting time.
  • Sweet corn seeds will remain viable for 2 years; dent corn will last up to 5 years when properly stored.

FAQ

How long does it take for Glass Gem Popping corn to mature?

It typically takes around 105 days from planting to harvest.

How do I prevent cross-pollination with other corn varieties?

To avoid cross-pollination, do not plant within one mile of other varieties, or stagger planting times so that they tassel at different periods.

What are the ideal growing conditions for Glass Gem Popping corn?

This variety thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. It also requires full sun and a consistent supply of water throughout the growing season.

Browse our full range of corn seeds.

Customer reviews

4.1 / 5 102 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Jewel-colored ears: Every ear opens to a different mix of colors; no two alike.

  • Kids love it: Shucking each ear is like opening a present; a favorite with kids.

  • Strong germination: Nearly every seed came up; stalks reach 7 to 12 feet.

  • Small popcorn: Pops small and crunchy if dried well; also grinds into cornmeal.

  • Heads up: Ears are small and slow to mature; give it a long, warm season.

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