How to Grow Corn (Maize) - Reid's Yellow Dent
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Corn (Maize) - Reid's Yellow Dent
Zea mays subsp. mays
vegetableReid's Yellow Dent is a classic open-pollinated field corn variety developed in the 19th century, known for its distinctive deep yellow kernels with a characteristic dent at the tip. Originally bred for grain production and animal feed, it has become a heritage favorite among gardeners for its reliable yields and beautiful appearance. The tall stalks and large ears make it a striking addition to any garden while providing excellent grain for cornmeal, flour, or livestock feed.
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Example Corn (Maize) - Reid's Yellow Dent timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Corn (Maize) - Reid's Yellow Dent
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Corn (Maize) - Reid's Yellow Dent
Around Aug 5≈ 110 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8; can grow in zones 3-9 with appropriate timing
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Get my Corn (Maize) - Reid's Yellow Dent timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Emergence
1-2 weeksSeeds germinate in soil; first shoots emerge 7-10 days after planting. Soil temperature should be 50°F minimum, ideally 65-70°F.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect seedlings from cutworms with collars if needed. Plant after last spring frost and soil has warmed.
Vegetative Growth (V1-V8)
3-4 weeksRapid leaf development and stem elongation. Plants develop 8 true leaves and establish strong root systems. Visible growth occurs daily in favorable conditions.
Begin side-dressing with nitrogen fertilizer when plants reach 6-8 inches tall. Ensure consistent watering. Thin seedlings to proper spacing if direct seeded. Scout for pest damage.
Vegetative Growth to Flowering (V8-VT)
4-5 weeksPlants reach maximum height (7-9 feet for Reid's Yellow Dent). Tassel appears at plant top; ear development begins at leaf axils. Root systems deepen significantly.
Apply additional nitrogen if growth appears slow. Maintain consistent moisture. Watch for European corn borer and other pests. Stake tall varieties in windy areas if needed.
Flowering & Silking (VT-R1)
1-2 weeksTassel sheds pollen; silks emerge from ears and hang outside husks. Pollination occurs; kernels begin forming at base of ear. This is the plant's most critical water requirement period.
CRITICAL: Provide 1.5 inches water per week minimum; drought now causes kernel abortion. Avoid mechanical damage to plants. Monitor closely for pests and disease.
Grain Fill & Maturity (R2-R6)
5-6 weeksKernels accumulate starch and harden; silks dry and brown. Ears fully fill with mature yellow kernels showing characteristic dent. Corn reaches physiological maturity when black layer forms at kernel base.
Reduce watering gradually as grain fills. Stop supplemental water when kernels fully dent. Allow stalks and ears to dry on plant. Harvest when kernels are hard and moisture content is 15-20%.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Plant resistant varieties; remove infested plant parts; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray; plant trap crops; encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps
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Apply mineral oil to silk tips shortly after emergence; use Bt spray; hand-pick affected ears; encourage beneficial insects; plant early to avoid peak pest pressure
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
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Inspect plants regularly; hand-pick affected areas; Bt spray; beneficial nematodes; encourage predatory insects
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Remove galls before they rupture and release spores; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; practice crop rotation; no chemical control effective
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Ensure well-draining soil; avoid overwatering; rotate crops; remove severely infected plants; do not replant corn in same area for 2-3 years
Uses
Cornmeal, Polenta & Flour
CulinaryReid's Yellow Dent is excellent for milling into cornmeal, polenta, and flour. The medium-hard kernels grind well into nutritious whole grain products perfect for baking, porridge, and traditional corn-based dishes. [source]
Animal Feed
CulinaryA traditional livestock feed variety, the nutrient-dense kernels provide excellent nutrition for chickens, cattle, pigs, and other farm animals. The dried grain stores well for year-round feeding. [source]
Decorative & Craft Uses
HouseholdThe distinctive yellow kernels with deep dents make Reid's Yellow Dent striking for fall decorations, cornhusk crafts, corn dollies, and ornamental displays. Husks can be used for weaving and traditional crafts. [source]
Wildlife Food Source
WildlifeMature dried corn attracts and provides nutrition for birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other wildlife. Leave some ears in the field or provide as winter supplemental food for wildlife. [source]
Corn Silk Tea & Traditional Uses
MedicinalCorn silks have been used traditionally in herbal medicine for diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Fresh or dried silks can be brewed into tea, though scientific evidence for health claims is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Reid's Yellow Dent is a field corn variety best harvested when fully mature and dry, typically in fall (90-120 days after planting). Harvest when kernels show full dent and are hard; husk should be brown and dry. Snap ear from stalk or cut stalk at base and harvest ears. For grain use, allow ears to fully dry on stalk if possible, then shell kernels from cob. For fresh corn on the cob (immature stage), harvest when silks are brown and kernels are full but still milky (2-3 weeks after silking). Store dried grain in cool, dry location in sealed containers.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Reid's Yellow Dent was developed in the 1890s by James L. Reid on his farm in Illinois and became one of the most important corn varieties in American agricultural history, dominating corn shows and breeding programs for decades.
- 🌱 The distinctive 'dent' at the tip of each kernel forms because the softer starch in the center of the kernel dries and shrinks faster than the harder starch at the sides, causing the characteristic indentation.
- 🌱 A single Reid's Yellow Dent plant can produce 1-2 ears, and under good conditions, a mature ear can contain 500-1000 individual kernels weighing 8-16 ounces total.
Gardening Terms
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