Hickory King Heirloom Dent Corn (75 seeds)

This is the best large heirloom dent corn that I’ve encountered, with massive flat kernels on huge ears. Stalks grow to 10-12 ft tall yet are very sturdy and stand up great to summer storms. They are strong enough to support bean vines in a three-sisters planting. Ears are borne high up the plant out of reach of varmints and have tight husks that keep out earworms and moisture. Despite my wet climate with abundant caterpillars, most ears were free of damage at harvest time.This corn is not overly sweet but is still one of the best for “roasting ears”. When fresh ears at the milk stage are roasted over a fire, they caramelize beautifully, making a chewy yet delicious food. This corn is also one of the best for making hominy as skins come off easily during the nixtamalization process. It also makes good cornmeal.Originating before 1875 in the Appalachian region, this corn deserves to be grown more widely. As with any corn, it should be grown in blocks at least 4 rows wide rather than in single rows, for good pollination. Space 12 inches apart each way if garden space is limited. Matures in 100-110 days. Seeds produced with hand-pollination for purity in Morgantown, WV. Germination 88% 12-3-2023. 75 seeds