How to Grow DeKalb DK66-46 Corn
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DeKalb DK66-46 Corn
Zea mays
vegetableDeKalb DK66-46 is a hybrid field corn variety bred for grain production with a maturity rating of 66 days. It is known for reliable yields, strong standability, and good disease resistance. This variety performs well in a wide range of growing conditions and is popular among commercial and serious home growers.
When should you plant DeKalb DK66-46 Corn in your zone?
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Example DeKalb DK66-46 Corn timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant DeKalb DK66-46 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 DK66-46 Corn
Around Jun 21≈ 65 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact DeKalb DK66-46 Corn dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8, with adaptation to zone 3 and northern zone 8
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Get my DeKalb DK66-46 Corn timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling (V0-V2)
10-14 daysSeeds germinate in 7-10 days with adequate moisture and soil temperature above 50°F (ideally 60-65°F). First leaf emerges, followed by coleoptile breaking soil surface.
Ensure consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. Protect young seedlings from birds and excessive wind. Monitor for damping-off diseases. Maintain soil temperature above 50°F for reliable germination.
Vegetative Growth (V3-V10)
25-35 daysPlant develops 3-10 visible leaves as it establishes its root system and begins rapid height growth. Root development is deep and extensive, establishing a strong foundation.
Apply pre-emergent or early post-emergent herbicides to control weeds before competition becomes severe. Maintain consistent moisture as the plant's water demands increase. Side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer if soil test indicates deficiency. Monitor for early pest damage.
Tassel & Pollination (V11-VT)
10-14 daysPlant reaches full height (typically 7-8 feet for DK66-46), develops ear-bearing nodes, and tassel emerges from the top. Female silks emerge from ear shoots 2-3 days after tassel appearance.
This is the most critical stage for water availability—stress during tasseling and silking dramatically reduces yield. Provide 1.5 inches of water per week if rainfall is insufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer applications that promote excessive vegetative growth. Monitor for insect pests including corn borers and aphids.
Grain Fill (R1-R5)
30-40 daysKernel development begins at the base of the cob and progresses toward the tip. Grain moisture gradually decreases from ~80% to harvest-ready 15-20% moisture. Milk stage (R2) gives way to dough stage (R3) and dent stage (R4-R5).
Maintain consistent moisture during early grain fill (R1-R2) to maximize kernel size. Reduce irrigation as kernels mature and grain moisture decreases. Monitor for stalk rot, gray leaf spot, and other late-season diseases. Avoid unnecessary fungicide applications unless disease pressure warrants.
Harvest & Maturity (R6)
Variable based on conditions; typically 7-14 days from R5 to R6Kernels reach black layer formation at the base of the kernel, grain moisture stabilizes around 15-20%. Husks dry and loosen. Plant transitions to full dormancy.
Harvest when grain moisture reaches 15-20% for optimal combine operation and grain quality. Allow thorough drying if higher moisture at harvest. Monitor for weather-related grain quality issues. Store grain in dry, well-ventilated conditions with moisture monitoring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Bt hybrids provide genetic resistance; early-season insecticide applications if threshold reached; removal of plant residue in fall to reduce overwintering populations
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Seed treatments containing neonicotinoids; crop rotation away from corn; resistant hybrids; adult control with foliar insecticides if threshold exceeded
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Bt hybrids; foliar insecticides in early growth stages; natural predator conservation
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Monitoring for excessive populations; insecticidal soap or oil sprays in early vegetative stage; beneficial insect habitat maintenance
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Fungicide application during silking/grain fill if disease pressure high; crop rotation; resistant hybrids in subsequent plantings
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Fungicide sprays during critical growth stages; crop residue management; resistant variety selection
Uses
Grain & Animal Feed
CulinaryWhole corn kernels are ground for flour, meal, or used as livestock feed. High starch content makes it valuable for grain production and feed mills. [source]
Ethanol & Biofuel Production
CulinaryField corn hybrids like DK66-46 are primary feedstock for corn ethanol production and renewable fuel manufacturing. [source]
Industrial Uses
HouseholdCorn is processed into cornstarch, corn oil, corn syrup, and numerous industrial products including adhesives and biodegradable plastics. [source]
Wildlife & Pollinator Value
WildlifeCorn pollen provides food for early-season pollinators; mature grain supports wildlife during winter months when left as cover crop residue. [source]
Nutritional Source
MedicinalCorn provides essential carbohydrates, B vitamins, and minerals. Used in various health supplements and nutritional products. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when grain moisture reaches 15-20% for optimal grain quality and combine efficiency. DK66-46's 66-day maturity typically results in harvest-ready grain in mid-to-late September (northern U.S.) or August (southern zones). Use a combine with proper header and threshing adjustments for corn. Store grain at 12-13% moisture in dry, well-ventilated conditions to prevent mold and maintain germination if saving seed.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 DeKalb DK66-46's maturity rating of 66 refers to growing degree days (GDDs) above a base of 50°F, allowing farmers to predict harvest timing across different geographic regions and growing seasons.
- 🌱 Corn hybrid vigor (heterosis) in varieties like DK66-46 can produce yields 20-30% higher than open-pollinated varieties, which is why nearly all commercial corn grown is hybrid seed.
- 🌱 A single corn plant can produce 400-600 kernels on the ear, yet only one or two ears typically reach full maturity on commercial varieties like DK66-46, maximizing resource allocation to the best-positioned ear.
Gardening Terms
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