Dive into the enchanting world of Glass Gem corn, a visual masterpiece that stands as a testament to the incredible artistry of Mother Nature. Beyond its stunning rainbow hues, the story behind Glass Gem corn adds a layer of fascination to this extraordinary crop.
The roots of Glass Gem corn can be traced back to the passionate efforts of Oklahoma farmer Carl Barnes. Driven by a desire to reconnect with his Native American heritage, Barnes delved into cultivating older corn varieties. With a keen eye for corn breeding, he meticulously selected and preserved seeds from cobs displaying vibrant, translucent hues, ultimately giving rise to the mesmerizing rainbow-colored corn we admire today. The narrative, eloquently shared by Barnes’ protégé, Greg Schoen, in 2012, marked the moment when Glass Gem corn captivated the world’s attention through the power of the internet.
Barnes’ dedication extended beyond creating a visually striking corn variety. He achieved something extraordinary by identifying ancestral corn strains lost to Native American tribes forcibly relocated to Oklahoma in the 1800s. His efforts not only preserved these ancient seeds but also fostered connections as he exchanged them with people nationwide, turning them into friends bound by a shared appreciation for biodiversity.
The exact duration of Barnes’ painstaking efforts remains a mystery, but the results of his hard work became evident over time. In 1994, at a Native plant gathering, Greg Schoen encountered Barnes and the rainbow-colored corn, a meeting that would shape their partnership. Barnes generously shared his rainbow seeds with Schoen in 1995, marking the beginning of their collaboration.
Schoen and Barnes’ friendship flourished, with Schoen receiving more rainbow seeds over the years. His cultivation efforts began in New Mexico in 1999, gradually expanding to more significant areas near Santa Fe by 2005. The interplay between the rainbow corn and traditional varieties resulted in the emergence of new variants, each year revealing more vivid hues and intricate designs—a testament to Barnes’ dedication to conserving the corn’s genetic diversity.
As Schoen embraced the challenge of naming the diverse colors and patterns, monikers like “circus colors,” “true rainbow,” and “deep blue” emerged. In 2007, the corn’s remarkable blend of blue-green and pink-purple colors caught everyone’s attention, leading Schoen to officially name it “Glass Gems.” This unique variety became an internet sensation in 2012, captivating audiences worldwide with its radiant beauty.
Through years of careful selection and refinement, Glass Gem corn has evolved into a flawless and stunning variety, showcasing a vibrant rainbow of colors that continues to inspire awe and appreciation for the marvels of nature.
