Description

Corn ‘Glass Gem’ is a maize variety, grown for its colourful kernels which are dried and ground for cornflour (cornmeal). Kernels can also be popped but will lose their colour in the process.
Plant corn in blocks not rows – It is wind-pollinated. Plants close to each other in every direction have more chance of being properly pollinated. Better still, hand-pollinate each plant. Every tassel needs to be pollinated for a kernel to develop.
Because corn and maize are wind-pollinated, do not grow two (or more) different varieties close to each other if wanting to collect ‘pure’ seed. If they must be close together due to lack of space, start each variety at different times.
To harvest corn/maize for seed, let the cob dry out completely on the plant. A thumbnail pressed into a kernel should not leave any mark if the cob is properly dried. Whether used for grinding, popping or seed-saving, cobs must remain on the plant until completely dry; then the husks are removed and the cobs air-dried for a further two weeks.