How to Grow Reid's Yellow Dent Corn
Wikimedia Commons
Reid's Yellow Dent Corn
Zea mays
vegetableReid's Yellow Dent is a classic American dent corn variety developed in the 19th century, prized for its large, deep-kerneled yellow ears and exceptional productivity. It is a staple field corn variety used for animal feed, cornmeal, and historical seed preservation. The variety is known for its consistency, good storage qualities, and ability to thrive in diverse growing conditions.
When should you plant Reid's Yellow Dent Corn in your zone?
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Example Reid's Yellow Dent Corn timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Reid's Yellow Dent 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 Reid's Yellow Dent Corn
Around Aug 5≈ 110 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Reid's Yellow Dent Corn dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8, with best yields in zones 5-7
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Get my Reid's Yellow Dent Corn timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling (V1-V4)
2-3 weeksEmergence occurs 7-14 days after planting. Seedlings develop the first visible leaves (coleoptile leaf, then true leaves).
Ensure consistent soil moisture. Protect from birds and cutworms. Thin to proper spacing if necessary.
Vegetative Growth (V5-V14)
4-6 weeksRapid leaf development and stalk elongation. Plant develops more leaves and root system expands. Height reaches 12-24 inches.
Apply nitrogen fertilizer at V4-V6 stage. Monitor for pest pressure. Cultivate or mulch to suppress weeds. Ensure adequate water.
Tassel and Silk Emergence (R1-R2)
2-3 weeksMale tassel emerges at top of stalk; female silks appear 5-8 days later from ear shoots. Plant reaches full height (7-10 feet).
Critical water needs during this period. Avoid any stress. Adequate pollination depends on warm temperatures and pollen viability.
Grain Fill (R3-R5)
3-4 weeksKernels develop and fill with starch and nutrients. Silk turns brown and dries. Ears become heavier and mature color deepens to yellow.
Maintain consistent moisture throughout grain-fill stage. Nitrogen stress during this stage reduces final yield. Support stalk if needed.
Maturity and Drying (R6)
2-4 weeksKernels reach physiological maturity with characteristic dent at crown. Plant desiccates. Kernel moisture content drops to 15-20%.
Reduce watering as plant naturally dries. Harvest when kernel moisture reaches desired level (15-20% for storage). Allow field drying if possible before harvest.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use Bt-based insecticides, plant resistant varieties, remove crop residue, rotate crops
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Apply Bt spray at silking, hand-pick larvae, use pheromone traps, encourage parasitic wasps
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Rotate crops, use resistant varieties, apply soil insecticides at planting, remove volunteer corn
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Strong water spray, reflective mulches, insecticidal soap, encourage natural predators
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Nematode applications, cardboard collars around seedlings, remove debris, deep cultivation
Uses
Cornmeal and Polenta
CulinaryReid's Yellow Dent kernels are ground into nutritious cornmeal used for polenta, cornbread, tortillas, and other traditional grain dishes. The variety's large kernels and consistent texture make it ideal for milling. [source]
Animal Feed and Grain
CulinaryA traditional choice for livestock feed, poultry, and swine. The dent corn structure and starch content provide efficient nutrition for farm animals. [source]
Corn Meal for Cooking
HouseholdHome gardeners and small-scale farmers use Reid's Yellow Dent for freshly milled cornmeal, offering superior flavor and nutrition compared to store-bought varieties. [source]
Decorative Corn Cobs and Ears
CraftThe large, attractive yellow ears with deep kernels are prized for fall decorations, dried corn arrangements, and craft projects. Cobs can be used as mulch or animal bedding. [source]
Wildlife Food and Cover
WildlifeMature corn plants provide excellent food and shelter for birds, deer, and other wildlife. The tall stalks create wind breaks and habitat. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest when ears have dried sufficiently in the field, typically 4-8 weeks after silking. Kernels should have a visible dent at the crown and moisture content around 15-20%. Hand-pick by twisting ear downward and breaking from stalk, or use a mechanical corn picker for large plantings. Allow ears to cure in dry, well-ventilated storage for 2-4 weeks before shelling.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Reid's Yellow Dent was developed in the 1840s-1880s by James L. Reid of Illinois and became one of the most important corn varieties in American agriculture, winning numerous competitions and serving as a foundation for modern corn breeding programs.
- 🌱 The 'dent' in dent corn refers to the characteristic indentation at the crown of the kernel caused by uneven starch maturation—harder starch on the sides dries faster and shrinks more than softer starch in the center, creating the distinctive dent shape.
- 🌱 Reid's Yellow Dent is a heirloom and open-pollinated variety, meaning seeds can be saved and replanted year after year, making it an excellent choice for seed savers and agricultural history enthusiasts.
Gardening Terms
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