Heirloom Ornamental Corn - Glass Gem

Start Seed Outdoors

Note: To prevent cross-pollination, allow 2-3 weeks between planting ornamental and sweet corn. Alternatively, plant them a minimum 250 feet apart.

In spring, once weather is warm and night temperatures stay securely above 55°F (13°C), in fertile in soil full sun (minimum 6 to 8 hours per day). Corn is a heavy feeder, so add compost or aged manure to the soil before sowing seed. Poke seeds in 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Plant in a block of at least 3-4 side-by-side rows, each row 1 foot apart, for good wind pollination.

Growing Notes:

Protect germinating and young seedlings from marauding birds. If first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant as new seedlings catch up quickly. Thin young seedlings 12 inches apart when 8-12 inches tall for well filled ears. Be sure to fertilize seedlings when 6-8 inches tall and again as ears begin to form.

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Start Seed Outdoors

Note: To prevent crosspollination, allow 2 to 3 weeks between planting ornamental and sweet corn. Alternatively, plant them a minimum 250 feet apart.

In spring, once weather is warm and night temperatures stay securely above 55°F (13°C), plant in fertile soil in full sun (minimum 6 to 8 hours per day). Corn is a heavy feeder, so add compost or aged manure to the soil before sowing seed. Poke seeds in 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Plant in a block of at least 3 to 4 side-by-side rows, each row 1 foot apart, for good wind pollination.

Growing Notes:

Protect germinating and young seedlings from marauding birds. If first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant as new seedlings catch up quickly. Thin young seedlings 12 inches apart when 8 to 12 inches tall for well-filled ears. Be sure to fertilize seedlings when 6 to 8 inches tall and again as ears begin to form.

Harvest and Use

Don’t harvest until ears are mature, husks are dry and fully colored kernels are dry and hard. Enjoy these beautiful ears for seasonal decorations and arrangements. You can also shuck the colorful kernels off ears to grind into cornmeal for cornbread, pancakes or polenta. To use as popcorn, shuck kernels from ears, spread in shallow layers in a pan and air dry for another 6 to 8 weeks before popping.