GLASS GEM CORN SEEDS - (Organic)

A beautiful flint or popcorn that comes in nearly every color imaginable. The translucent kernels really do shine brilliantly like glass — on the cob they resemble strands of glass beads!  Bred from a number of Native varieties by Carl Barnes, the famous corn collector to whom we owe our gratitude for his life’s work of collecting, preserving, and sharing so many Native corn varieties. The 3- to 8-inch ears are consummately decorative, but edible and delicious as well. It makes firm little morsels when popped; can also be parched, ground into meal, and more. Sturdy plants reach to 9 feet tall and throw numerous sideshoots where the season is long enough.

Use to make cornmeal, tasty popcorn, or to adorn your home, barn, or business! This stunning variety was carefully curated by part-Cherokee Carl Barnes.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation and Fertilizing:
For small gardens, corn is best planted in square blocks instead of long rows to improve cross-pollination between corn stalks. Corn will grow best in areas with plenty of sunlight and prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. To prepare the soil, clear the area of rocks, trash, and large sticks. Small pieces of grass and leaves can be mixed into the soil to make it richer. Spade the soil 8-10 inches deep and completely cover plant material. You may optionally scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for every 100 square feet of garden area. Rake it into the top 4 inches of soil.  Rake the soil until it is smooth

Planting:
Corn is best planted after the soil warms and is free from all risk of frost. Plant 1-2 ounces of seed for every 100 feet of row. Corn grows best when planted in several short rows instead of one long row. This makes it easier for the plants to pollinate and fill cobs with kernels. Plant corn seeds 1 inch deep and 3-4 inches apart. Space rows 2 1/2 - 3 feet apart. After the plants are up, thin them to 8 inches apart. For a steady harvest, plant again after 2-3 weeks.
 
Planting Depth:    1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:
3-4 inch, thin to 8 inches
Between-Row Spacing:
2 1/2 - 3 fee

Care During the Season:
Watering: Water corn as needed to keep it from wilting. When kernels are forming, try not to let the corn suffer from lack of water.
 
Weeding and Fertilizing: Hoe the weeds off just below the soil's' surface. Try not to work the soil more than 1 inch deep to prevent injuring root systems. When corn plants are about  2 feet fall, you may optionally apply 1 cup of fertilizer for every 10 feet of garden row. Scatter fertilizer evenly between rows and mix it lightly with the soil. Water after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sevin is a synthetic option. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, please read the label and always follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If a few of your corn plants are stunted, they may have a viral disease and should be removed to keep the virus from spreading.

Harvesting:
Indian Corn are ready for harvest when the outer husks turn brown and dry. To harvest the ears, hold the stalk below the ear and twist the tip of the ear toward the ground until it breaks off. Let the corn ears dry for a week. You may optionally coat Indian corn with lacquer to give a shiny appearance. Indian corn may be stored at room temperature for 4-6 months.