Corn Seeds - Dent - Hickory King White

Name: Corn Seeds - Dent - Hickory King White
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: CN35
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Majestic ears of Hickory King White tower with colossal kernels, ideal for legendary grits and show-stopping cornbread.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: CN35

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

Hickory King White corn is celebrated for its towering stalks, reaching up to 12 feet, and its impressive large kernels. This heirloom variety, with a maturity period of approximately 85-115 days, produces ears that are around 8 to 9 inches long. The kernels are notably large, making them ideal for hominy, grits, and cornmeal, offering a hearty texture and a sweet, old-fashioned corn flavor.

The robust plants yield consistently, even in less-than-ideal soil conditions, showcasing the resilience that heirloom enthusiasts cherish. The ears are wrapped in tight husks, offering natural protection against pests and ensuring a bountiful harvest. As the kernels mature, they transform from a creamy white to a slightly deeper hue, signaling their readiness for harvest.

In the kitchen, Hickory King White corn holds its own, whether roasted, ground, or boiled. Its substantial kernels are perfect for traditional Southern dishes, adding a touch of authenticity and depth to your culinary creations. This variety is a staple for those seeking to preserve the flavors of the past while enjoying a reliable and productive crop.

$2⁰⁰ USD

Secure checkout Details

Minimum Seed Count

Life Cycle

Annual

Scientific Name

Zea mays var. indentata

Maturity

110-119 Days (from transplant)

Grow Location

In-ground bed, Raised bed, High Tunnel, Community garden

Non-GMO Safe Seed Pledge

Common Pests & Problems — 'Hickory King White' (Zea mays)Insects & MitesCorn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea)Controls: Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad to silks every 5–7 days starting when silks first emerge. Encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps by planting companion plants such as dill and fennel nearby.European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis)Controls: Use Bt corn varieties or apply Bt sprays during early larval stages. Remove and destroy crop residues post-harvest to reduce overwintering sites. Encourage beneficial insects by maintaining diverse plantings.Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)Controls: Monitor regularly and apply insecticides like spinosad or Bt when larvae are small. Use pheromone traps to detect early infestations. Rotate crops to disrupt life cycles.DiseasesCommon Rust (Puccinia sorghi)Controls: Plant resistant varieties and ensure good air circulation by spacing plants adequately. Apply fungicides if necessary, particularly during wet weather. Rotate crops to prevent buildup of spores.Northern Corn Leaf Blight (Exserohilum turcicum)Controls: Use resistant varieties and practice crop rotation. Remove and destroy infected plant debris. Apply fungicides at the first sign of disease if conditions are favorable for spread.Gray Leaf Spot (Cercospora zeae-maydis)Controls: Ensure proper crop rotation and residue management. Use resistant hybrids and apply fungicides as needed. Maintain adequate plant spacing for air circulation.Physiological & Environmental IssuesNutrient Deficiencies (yellowing leaves, poor growth)Resolution: Conduct soil tests and amend with balanced fertilizers as needed. Ensure consistent watering and avoid waterlogged conditions. Mulch to retain soil moisture.Drought Stress (wilting, leaf rolling)Resolution: Implement regular irrigation schedules, especially during dry spells. Use mulch to conserve soil moisture. Consider drought-tolerant corn varieties.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Regularly inspect plants for signs of insect damage and disease.- Implement crop rotation and residue management to disrupt pest and disease cycles.- Encourage beneficial insects with companion planting.- Use resistant varieties to minimize disease impact.- Maintain optimal soil health through testing and appropriate fertilization.- Ensure consistent watering practices to prevent stress-related issues.

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Hickory King White Corn, the venerable giant of the maize world, traces its roots to the fertile fields of the American South, where it has been cultivated since the late 19th century. Its name evokes images of strength and durability: \"Hickory\" suggests the toughness of the tree, while \"King\" denotes its regal stature among corn varieties. This heirloom corn is renowned for its large, robust kernels, which are as versatile as they are imposing, and its towering stalks that can reach up to twelve feet in height.For generations, Hickory King White Corn has been a staple in Southern agriculture, prized not only for its impressive size but for its adaptability and flavor. Farmers cherished it for its ability to thrive in diverse climates and soils, making it a reliable crop for both sustenance and commerce. The corn's large kernels were perfect for hominy, grits, and cornmeal, essential components of Southern cuisine. In rural communities, Hickory King was often used to make traditional cornbread, a dietary cornerstone that accompanied every meal, from humble family dinners to grand celebrations.Beyond the kitchen, Hickory King White Corn found a place in the cultural fabric of the South. Its sturdy stalks were used as natural fencing and livestock feed, while the kernels served as seed for future harvests, ensuring the continuity of this cherished variety. During harvest festivals, the corn was celebrated in rituals and gatherings, symbolizing abundance and community resilience. In some regions, it was even used in barter, a testament to its value and utility.The botanical heritage of Hickory King White Corn is as rich as its cultural significance. It belongs to the species Zea mays, a testament to its ancient lineage that traces back to the domestication of wild grasses in Mesoamerica over 9,000 years ago. Over time, selective breeding by indigenous peoples and later by Southern farmers refined its characteristics, resulting in the distinctive large-kernel variety known today. This lineage highlights the intricate relationship between humans and plants, a co-evolution that has sustained communities for millennia.In the modern era, while hybrid and genetically modified corn varieties dominate industrial agriculture, Hickory King White Corn remains a beloved heirloom among small-scale farmers and gardening enthusiasts. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its historical significance but in its superior taste and texture, qualities that have sparked a resurgence in its cultivation. As a symbol of agricultural heritage, Hickory King White Corn connects contemporary growers to a legacy of innovation and tradition, honoring the farmers who first nurtured its potential and the culinary artisans who continue to celebrate its place on the table.Today, to plant Hickory King White Corn is to engage in a narrative that spans centuries, a story of resilience, adaptation, and cultural richness. It is a tribute to the enduring spirit of the Southern landscape and the people who have shaped it, a living testament to the power of seeds to carry history forward into the future.

Shipped from U.S.A.

Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.

Triple tested

We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!

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