This library and any plant lists generated from it reflect plants we’ve carried or could obtain over the past 12–18 months, not our current inventory or availability.
“Fire Wise” plants are not fireproof. These plants, when maintained properly, have a higher fire resistance reducing fire danger. This list is built on the recommendations of local governments and the Diablo Firesafe Council
Glass Gem Ornamental Corn
Zea mays var. indurata 'Glass Gem'
Height: 5 feet
Spacing: 18 inches
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: (annual)
Description:
Mainly grown for its esthetic appeal, this variety is a must have in summer gardens and containers; tall sturdy stalks produce ears of corn full of translucent, jewel-toned kernels; beautiful added to fall and harvest decoration
Ornamental Features
Glass Gem Ornamental Corn is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. The burgundy fruits with gold variegation and which fade to creamy white over time are held in abundance in spectacular clusters from late summer to mid fall. Its attractive enormous sword-like leaves remain green in color with prominent creamy white stripes throughout the season.
This plant is primarily grown as an ornamental, but it's also valued for its edible qualities. The long bland kernels are most often used in the following ways:
- Drying
Landscape Attributes
Glass Gem Ornamental Corn is an open herbaceous annual with a shapely form and gracefully arching stems. Its wonderfully bold, coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced garden composition.
This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should never be pruned except to remove any dieback, as it tends not to take pruning well. It is a good choice for attracting birds and squirrels to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Glass Gem Ornamental Corn is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Mass Planting
- Hedges/Screening
- General Garden Use
- Container Planting
Planting & Growing
Glass Gem Ornamental Corn will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. When planted in rows, individual plants should be spaced approximately 18 inches apart. This fast-growing vegetable plant is an annual, which means that it will grow for one season in your garden and then die after producing a crop.
This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. This plant is a heavy feeder that requires frequent fertilizing throughout the growing season to perform at its best. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selection of a native North American species.
Glass Gem Ornamental Corn is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its height, it is often used as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.
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