How to Grow DeKalb DK38 Corn
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DeKalb DK38 Corn
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vegetableDeKalb DK38 is a hybrid field corn variety developed for mid-range maturity and reliable grain production. It is widely grown across the Corn Belt for its balanced yield potential, standability, and disease resistance. This variety is primarily used for grain harvest, animal feed, and industrial applications.
When should you plant DeKalb DK38 Corn in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example DeKalb DK38 Corn timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant DeKalb DK38 Corn
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 DeKalb DK38 Corn
Around Aug 5≈ 110 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact DeKalb DK38 Corn dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4b-7b; well-suited for traditional Corn Belt regions with 110-120 day growing seasons
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Get my DeKalb DK38 Corn timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Emergence
7-14 daysSeeds absorb moisture and begin root and shoot development; V1-V2 stage with coleoptile and first leaf visible above soil
Ensure adequate soil moisture and warm temperatures (50-60°F minimum); protect from crusting soil conditions; monitor for seed corn maggots and cutworms
Vegetative Growth (V3-V8)
3-4 weeksRapid leaf and root development; plant establishes nodal root system; visible whorls of leaves; typically 6-12 inches tall
Apply pre-emergent herbicides for weed control; begin nitrogen side-dressing if not pre-applied; monitor for early pest pressure (aphids, spider mites); ensure consistent moisture
Mid-Vegetative to Tassel Emergence (V9-VT)
4-5 weeksRapid stem elongation; plant reaches maximum height (6-9 feet typical for DK38); tassel begins to emerge from leaf whorl; ear development begins
Complete nitrogen application; control late-season weeds; monitor for disease development (leaf spots, rust); watch for lodging risk in high winds; ensure adequate potassium
Silking & Pollination (R1-R2)
1-2 weeksTassel sheds pollen; silks emerge from ear husks; pollen grain germinates on silks for fertilization; critical growth period
Maintain consistent moisture (1+ inch per week) during this critical period; minimize crop stress from drought or heat; monitor for silking problems; avoid insecticide applications during active pollination
Grain Fill & Maturation (R3-R6)
5-6 weeksKernels enlarge and accumulate starch and dry matter; milk stage progresses to dough, dent, and hard dent stages; kernel moisture decreases from 80% to 15-20%
Monitor for kernel development and maturity; disease management for late-season issues; no additional fertilizer needed; allow adequate time for field drying before harvest
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Bt transgenic corn varieties; insecticide sprays at whorl and tassel emergence; resistant varieties; crop rotation; residue management
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Soil insecticides at planting; Bt corn hybrids (Cry3Bb1, Cry34/35Ab); crop rotation; parasitic wasps; resistant rootworm hybrids
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Bt corn protection; silking-stage insecticide sprays; parasitoid wasps; cultural practices (removal of crop residue)
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Natural predators; insecticidal soaps; pyrethrin-based sprays; resistance to infestations at V8+ stage
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Bt corn; early scouting and targeted insecticides; parasitoid wasps; crop rotation
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Resistant hybrids (DK38 has moderate resistance); fungicide applications; crop residue management; improved air circulation
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Resistant varieties; fungicide sprays at early infection; avoid overhead irrigation; remove volunteer corn
Uses
Animal Feed & Grain Production
CulinaryDeKalb DK38 is primarily grown as a commodity grain crop used for livestock feed (cattle, poultry, swine) and processed into corn meal and flour. The high starch content and energy value make it ideal for animal nutrition formulations. [source]
Industrial & Ethanol Production
HouseholdSignificant portion of DK38 corn grown is processed into ethanol for fuel blending and industrial starch for manufacturing textiles, paper, and adhesives. This variety's consistent yield supports reliable feedstock supply. [source]
Food Processing
CulinaryGround corn from this variety is used in corn flour, cornmeal, polenta, and tortilla production. Its kernel characteristics make it suitable for both fresh processing and long-term storage. [source]
Wildlife Food & Habitat
WildlifeCorn fields provide seasonal food and cover for wildlife including deer, pheasants, and waterfowl, particularly when managed with conservation practices and left standing through winter months. [source]
Biomass & Bioenergy
HouseholdCorn stover (stalks, cobs, leaves) from DK38 is increasingly used as feedstock for cellulosic biofuel, biochar, and renewable energy production, supporting sustainable agriculture goals. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest when kernel moisture reaches 15-20% for grain combines; typically occurs 5-7 weeks after silking (late September to early October in northern Corn Belt); test moisture before combining to avoid over-drying; adjust combine header height to minimize grain loss; store grain in cool, dry conditions at 12-15% moisture for long-term storage
Fun Facts
- 🌱 DeKalb DK38's '38' designation refers to its relative maturity rating (RM), which indicates it typically requires 110-120 days from planting to physiological maturity—a mid-season hybrid ideal for the transition zone between shorter and longer season regions.
- 🌱 This hybrid was developed through extensive field testing and selection in the Corn Belt and represents generations of breeding for standability, disease resistance, and consistent performance across diverse growing conditions.
- 🌱 DeKalb (now part of Corteva Agriscience) is one of the world's oldest and largest seed corn companies, with its corn breeding program dating back over a century; DK38 exemplifies modern hybrid corn development combining yield potential with agronomic stability.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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