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ZP103

Glass Gem

  • ZP103
  • Zea mays.  Glass Gem. Gorgeous translucent, jewel-colored ears, each one unique. A stunning variety selected over many years by Carl Barnes, a part-Cherokee farmer and breeder from Oklahoma. Selected from crossing several traditional corn varieties and saving seed from the vivid, translucent kernels. Gifted to NS/S by Bill McDorman who acquired the seed from Greg Schoen, one of Carl's students. To read the story behind this magnificent corn, check out this Native Seeds Blog post.  From our Seed Bank Collection.

    • The kernels may be ground into cornmeal or popped.
    • Size of ears range from 3-8 inches. 
    • Height of plants depend upon water, but can reach up to 9 feet, typically 6 feet. 
    • Glass Gem can be harvested approx. 110-120 days after planting when the husks are dry and brown for the most intense and translucent colors. 
    • Packet size 10g/approx. 50 seeds 
    • Seed Saver Size includes approx 50g/250 seeds plus information on corn pollination and seed saving. 
    • Limit 3 packets.

    All photos shown here are copyrighted by Greg Schoen and used with permission.

     

    Support the conservation of Glass Gem and other heirloom seeds by becoming an NS/S member. Become a Member/Renew

  • $3.95
Size

Customer Reviews

Based on 86 reviews
87%
(75)
3%
(3)
3%
(3)
2%
(2)
3%
(3)
J
John Schmidt
Satisfied grower

Germination was great. Almost 100%. So far the seedlings are doing good.

A
Andrea Burke

have not planted yet. order came fast.thank you

M
Maryanna
Exactly as pictured

Can't wait to harvest the beautifully colored corn.

T
TONY ANDERSON
Ask me next year

Too soon.

B
Blake Morgan
Delicious!

I planted a long row of these, and couldn't be happier. Harvesting my first ears, and as described, a full ear is about 8 inches long, so don't expect long, fat ears like sweet corn. The first few ears I've picked have been at that "sweet corn ripeness" stage, with brown tassels and green leaves. They look great, with good sized plump kernels. There's still plenty of ears ripening on the stalks, so pretty excited to see how the rest of the harvest works out. FWIW, curiosity got the best of me, and I tried a few raw kernels plucked straight from the cob, and they were surprisingly great: sweet, and juicier than expected, with a pleasingly nutty aftertaste.