Gorgeous translucent, jewel-colored ears of this popular flint/popcorn were developed by Seed Savers Exchange member Carl Barnes and stewarded by his protégé Greg Schoen. Beautiful as well as edible, the kernels may be ground into cornmeal or popped. The ears of this variety of corn grow between 3-8” long, and contains multi-colored kernels that are translucent and resemble glass beads.

Growing Instructions:

Corn is very susceptible to frosts, wait until all danger of frost is past and the soil warms up to the 60 degrees Fahrenheit needed for seed germination. Use biodegradable pots to avoid disturbing the roots at transplanting time if you plan to start the seeds early indoors, as corn does not like to have its roots disturbed. If planting early, sow seeds only 1 inch deep; in the hot weather of midsummer, plant them up to 2 inches deep. The average germination rate for most corn is about 75 percent, so plant up to three seeds together every 5 to 12 inches. They should germinate in 7 to 10 days. Thin to one plant every 12 inches.

To avoid cross-pollination, keep different corn cultivars of corn 400 or more yards apart.

Keep your corn moderately watered, allowing it to dry out during pollination will result in ears with lots of missing kernels, so don’t skip watering your corn patch. Apply water at the soil surface by using a soaker hose or drip irrigation. Avoid spraying plants from above, which could wash pollen off the flowering tops, cause fungus, and other issues.