A stunning corn that is a throwback to ancient varieties and bred specifically for its beauty. Glass Gem selected over many years by Carl Barnes, a part-Cherokee farmer and breeder from Oklahoma, who bred it from crossing several traditional corn varieties and saving seed from the vivid, translucent kernels. Gorgeous translucent, like no other corn in the world with jewel-colored ears, each one unique. Non-GMO, Open-pollinated Heirloom variety with different shades of pink, purple, yellow, green and blue. This variety is not eaten fresh off the cob, but used for making popcorn, grinding into cornflour or made into tortillas. Absolutely out-standing used as decorations. Plants grow to about 182cm tall, yet if grown in containers will be shorter due to limited space. Size of ears range from 7-20cm long. Harvest in approx. 110-120 days after planting when the husks are dry and brown for the most intense and translucent colors.
Growing: Year round in tropical climates avoiding rainy season (unless planted in pots in the sheltered area). In temperate climate, plant in spring one-two weeks after last frost date, when the soil is approximately 70°F (21°C).
Soil: Well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Amend the bed with compost and a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time. Loosen the soil to a depth of 25cm.
Sowing Depth: Plant them 2.5-3.8cm deep in pairs, with the pairs spaced 30cm apart within the rows (if planted in the garden directly into the ground). Separate the rows by 61-87cm. Water well after planting.
Light: Choose a planting bed that gets full sun exposure, at least 6 hours per day.
Watering: Regular to make sure the soil is well moist, but not soggy wet. Corn is especially sensitive to moisture needs from the time the silks appear until the kernels fill out. Discontinue irrigation once the kernels start to harden.
Seedlings will emerge five to ten days after planting. When the seedlings are 10cm tall, thin them to one seed per 30cm (if grown in the ground), if grown in pots/containers, keep one plant per pot.
Fertilising: fertilize once seedlings are one month old (we highly recommend using TSM Organic Growth Activator, which supports healthy & robust growth, as well as promotes abundant yields of the plants).
Pests: Although Glass Gem corn is a relatively easy-going crop, corn earworm can be very destructive. The pest is actually the larval stage of a tan-colored moth. Look for a 1 to 2 inch, light yellow, green, pink, or brown caterpillar with white and dark linear strips along the sides. It feeds on corn silk and bores into the ears, consuming cob and kernels. The same pest feeds on tomatoes, beans, and other garden crops. We recommend using TSM Organic Neem Oil, which naturally protects plants from unwanted pests and various diseases.
Harvest: 110-120 days. Allow the ears to dry on the cornstalks. Check them by peeling back the husk and inspecting a few kernels. When the kernels are hard and you can’t make a mark on them with your fingernail, they’re ready.
The TSM Guarantee: It's our promise to ensure that all our products are strictly Non-GMO, and free from any possible harmful chemical compounds. All come from trusted and carefully selected small non commercial farmers worldwide providing fresh, safe supply.
