How to grow dazzling glass gem popcorn

Glass gem popcorn is one of the most unique heirloom plants. This popcorn comes in a rainbow of colors that almost look fake, but it could not be more authentic. Although this popcorn may look difficult to grow, it is not. Let’s learn how to grow dazzling glass gem popcorn.

Botanical Name	Zea mays
Plant type	Grain
Sun exposure	Full sun
Soil conditions	Rich soil
Bloom and harvest time	Bloom mid summer, Harvest fall
Difficulty	Easy, Medium, Hard, Extreme

Glass gem popcorn origins

Glass gem corn was originally bred by the late Carl Barnes. Carl was part Cherokee and enjoyed growing ancient corn varieties. In 2008 he had bred what is now known as glass gem popcorn. He then dispersed the seeds around the world with interested growers. The popcorn did not really get popular until four years later (2012) when a picture of this dazzling corn was shared on social media. Since then many people have grown this amazing variety.

Where to find glass gem seeds

It seems like all seeds sell out quickly, but this is especially true with glass gem corn. After I bought my first seed packet of glass gem corn I have continually saved the seeds and have not had to buy any more. Here are a few places I recommend to buy glass gem seeds.

Seeds for generations: Glass gem corn

Baker Creek Seeds: Glass gem corn

Seed Savers Exchange: Glass gem corn

Where to plant glass gem popcorn

Glass gem popcorn enjoys lots of sunlight, so plant it in the open where it will not be shaded. It should be noted that this corn can grow up to 10 feet tall. Make sure that this popcorn does not shade out other sun loving plants. Glass gem popcorn also enjoys rich soil. Amending the soil with compost before planting is a good idea.

When to plant glass gem popcorn

Glass gem popcorn germinates best in soils that are above 60^oF. Popcorn is also frost sensitive so make sure you plant after all danger of frost has passed. To find your soil temperature I use this free map. If you would like to check your last frost date simply enter your zip code here. Popcorn does not benefit from transplanting, so do not start seeds indoors.

Planting glass gem popcorn

I like to plant my popcorn in rows with each row separated by two feet of space. I space each plant about 6 inches apart, and plant the seeds about 1 inch deep. Another option for planting is to plant in mounds. This was a method used by Native Americans.

Have you heard of the three sisters?

A tried and true method that many Native Americans have used to grow popcorn was the three sister method. This was a form of companion planting. They would grow popcorn next to beans and the beans were next to squash.

The bean plants add nitrogen to the soil and the squash covers the soil so weeds do not grow. If you grow pole beans the corn can offer support for them too. I have used this method and my corn grew amazingly well. Last year I did not use the three sisters method and my corn crop suffered greatly. I will now always grow my corn next to my bean plants.

How often should I water and fertilize popcorn

Glass gem popcorn benefits from regular watering and fertilizing. I usually fertilize my plants ever other week with either compost tea or fish emulsions. Watering should also be on a regular schedule if weather is dry. To keep moisture in the soil and build soil life, you should mulch around the popcorn.

Pollination

In mid summer the popcorn will start to grow ears and then there will be tassels. These tassels produce the pollen while the silk on the ears needs it to fertilize the corn. Each silk runs down to a single kernel. If pollination is not good you will have undeveloped kernels that are not good for popping. To ensure you do have good pollination plant in a square as this will help with the wind pollination.

Shooting popcorn

I have noticed with glass gem popcorn that it has the tendency to send up side shoots. This is totally harmless, and if you have a long enough growing season they may even produce ears. If you feel like they are crowding your other plants you can cut them off.

Pest and disease management

I have not had any pest problems with my corn as this is a vigorous variety. One problem I have had is corn smut. Here is a good article on how to prevent corn smut.

Harvesting popcorn

In the fall once the plants are completely brown it is time to harvest the ears. Test one ear to make sure that the kernels are mature and hard. If so it is time to harvest. I usually go out with a basket and pruners. Cut below the ear and fill your basket.

I then take my popcorn down to my basement and dry it on a wire rack after I pull the husks back. It can take anywhere between 2-4 weeks to dry depending on the weather.

Storing glass gem popcorn

Once the kernels are fully dried it is time to store your popcorn. I shuck some of my popcorn and store in a glass jar. This popcorn will last a very long time in a sealed container if fully dried. You can also braid your corn and hang it from the rafters.

How to use glass gem popcorn

Glass gem popcorn is known as a flint and dent popcorn. This means that you can either use this corn as popcorn or grind it into corn meal. The popcorn does pop into smaller and chewier morsels than store bought popcorn, but the flavor is unmatched.

Another option is to decorate with the popcorn. I use the whole ears in my fall décor. You could also shuck the corn into a glass jar for a striking decoration that is sure to be a conversation piece.

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