How to Grow Glass Gem Corn (The Most Beautiful Corn)

Glass gem corn is a stunning heirloom variety that can be grown for both ornamental and practical purposes. These tiny gemstone-like corns are not only edible, but you can also use them in crafts, and if you have kids, this is the perfect crop to involve them in gardening.

Glass gem corn is known for its vibrant rainbow hues. This type of corn, also known as “flint corn,” is typically not eaten fresh but instead used for making popcorn or ground into corn flour.

In order to harvest flint corn, the corn is left on the plant until the kernels have fully dried and lost their shine and color and have hardened to the texture of flint. It is only at this point that the corn is ready for harvest, hence the name “flint corn.”

In addition to its practical uses, Glass Gem corn also has ornamental value. The corn variety gained widespread attention in 2012 after pictures were shared online, making it an internet sensation. Since then, more and more people have become interested in growing this stunningly colorful corn for themselves.

These famous gemstone-like corns appeared again due to the effort of a man named Carl Barnes, an Oklahoma farmer of Cherokee descent. Carl was passionate about preserving his Native American heritage, and he embarked on a mission to rediscover and conserve ancient corn varieties. Little did he know that his dedication would lead to the creation of a true masterpiece.

In the early 1990s, Carl began crossing various heirloom corn varieties to create something unique and visually striking. His efforts soon paid off as the vibrant Glass Gem corn was born. This exquisite variety displays a dazzling array of colors, with each kernel resembling a tiny, iridescent gemstone.

As Carl aged, he sought the help of a