Glass Gem Corn

I’m so intrigued with the Glass Gem corn. I had read that someone had checked their corn before it was ready and the kernels were all white and they were upset because the seeds had been so expensive and they wrote the folks they had purchased the seeds from to complain and the person wrote them back and said “Give it a few weeks. The colors will change!” Sure enough . . they did.

Last week, I decided to sacrifice one ear of corn and check it. Sure enough, the kernels were white but they were also tiny and not very well formed. I will admit . . even having read about the other gardener’s corn being white, I was a little disappointed. Today I was out there and decided to check the progress and guess what!

Well, besides there being two worms in there munching on the corn . . the colors are starting to show!

Glass Gem Corn

I’m so excited! The kernels are perfect! There’s color and it’s only going to get brighter and more colorful. I’m not real sure what to do about harvesting it. Corn experts, can you help me out here?

First, the worms . . is there a chance the two worms were in this ear because I had already opened it and peeked or is there a better change there are a few worms in each ear? They’re eating quite a bit. I’d say I had to cut off 2″ that was gone. I don’t really want them to get the whole crop.

Second, I had read to let it dry on the stalk unless I live in an area that gets a lot of rain. Nope, not here! But, then I read that it was ready to be picked when husk turns brown. Does that mean it’s dry? I pick sweet corn before the husks turn brown so I’m not real sure.

I will use it either for popcorn or grind it to make cornmeal. I’m mostly growing it to have fun but I still don’t want the worms to eat it all.

Thanks for any advice/tips.