How to Grow Hickory King Corn
Hickory King Corn
Zea mays
vegetableHickory King is a traditional dent corn variety prized for both fresh eating and cornmeal production. It produces large kernels with a distinctive deep indentation at the top and stands 8-10 feet tall. This heirloom variety is known for its exceptional flavor and adaptability to southern growing conditions.
When should you plant Hickory King Corn in your zone?
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Example Hickory King Corn timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Hickory King 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 Hickory King Corn
Around Aug 5≈ 110 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hickory King Corn dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with particular success in zones 7-9
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Get my Hickory King Corn timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksYoung plants emerge with 2-4 leaves; seedlings are 3-6 inches tall
Keep soil consistently moist; thin seedlings to proper spacing if direct sown. Protect from birds and cutworms.
Vegetative Growth
4-5 weeksRapid leaf expansion and stalk elongation; plants reach 3-5 feet tall with 8-12 leaves visible
Provide consistent nitrogen fertilization; water regularly (1+ inches per week); consider light cultivation for weed control. Support tall varieties if windy.
Tasseling & Silking
2-3 weeksMale tassel appears at top; female silks emerge from ear shoots; plants reach 8-10 feet height
Ensure consistent moisture during this critical pollination period. Avoid disturbing plants during silking. Do not apply fertilizer directly on silks.
Kernel Development & Milking
3-4 weeksKernels develop and fill with milky fluid; silks brown and dry; cob hardens
Maintain moderate soil moisture. Reduce watering frequency but don't let soil dry out completely. Monitor for late-season pests.
Dough & Harvest Maturity
2-3 weeksKernels form dent at crown; reach full size; husks dry and brown; black layer forms at kernel base
Reduce watering as plants dry down. Ears fully mature when husks are papery and dry. Ready for harvest when kernels have characteristic dent.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Plant early to avoid peak moth activity; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray at whorl stage; remove and destroy infected plants; resistant varieties available
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Apply mineral oil to silks when they first appear; use Bt spray in late whorl stage; hand-pick larvae; beneficial insects help control
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Monitor for frass and leaf damage; use Bt when larvae are small; spinosad or neem oil spray; encourage natural predators
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Increase air circulation; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or miticide if severe; maintain adequate soil moisture
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
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and
Use fencing or netting; plant multiple varieties to stagger maturity; remove corn as soon as mature; motion-activated devices
Uses
Fresh Corn on the Cob
CulinaryHickory King produces exceptional sweet corn when harvested at the milk stage, perfect for boiling, grilling, or roasting with superior flavor compared to modern hybrids. [source]
Cornmeal & Flour
CulinaryThe large kernels and high starch content make Hickory King ideal for grinding into fine cornmeal, corn flour, or polenta for traditional Southern cooking, cornbread, and tortillas. [source]
Hominy Production
CulinaryThe large kernels process well into hominy through traditional nixtamalization, a staple in Southern and Mexican cuisine. [source]
Animal Feed
HouseholdHickory King is an excellent variety for feeding livestock, poultry, and game birds, providing nutritious whole grain feed for small farm operations. [source]
Ornamental & Craft Use
CraftThe attractive ears, tall stalks, and good husking characteristics make Hickory King suitable for corn shocks, decorative arrangements, and traditional harvest displays. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest when kernels are in full dent stage (typically 20-24 days after silking). Husks should be dry and brown, silks brown and papery. For fresh eating (milk stage), harvest 15-18 days after silking when kernels release milky fluid when punctured. For drying/cornmeal, allow ears to fully mature on the stalk until kernels are hard and fully dented. Shuck ears and cure in a cool, dry place for 2-3 months before grinding into meal.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Hickory King is an heirloom variety that has been grown continuously in the American South since the 1800s, particularly in Appalachia.
- 🌱 The name 'Hickory King' derives from its supposed origin in Hickory, North Carolina, though some sources suggest it was named for its hickory-hard kernels.
- 🌱 This variety is beloved by Southern gardeners and seed savers for its exceptional flavor and is one of the few dent corns preferred for eating fresh as roasting ears when harvested at the milk stage.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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