Variety field guide
What to expect from Hickory King White Dent corn Seeds
Hickory King White Dent corn seeds grow into upright/erect plants reaching 97–120 in and producing 7–8 in ears. The white kernels are suited to block planting, dependable pollination, dry or fresh harvest, and seed saving.
Read the complete product descriptionTraits, flavor, garden use, variety notes, and the full catalog record
Hickory King White Dent corn seeds grow into upright/erect plants reaching 97–120 in and producing 7–8 in ears. The white kernels are suited to block planting, dependable pollination, dry or fresh harvest, and seed saving. Hickory King White Corn Seeds produce majestic ears of Hickory King White tower with colossal kernels, ideal for legendary grits and show-stopping cornbread.
About Hickory King White
Hickory King White is an annual dent corn with white color, 97–120 in mature height or spread, and an upright/erect habit. Harvest form or size: 7–8 in ears. Botanically it is Zea mays L. Maturity or first bloom: 110-119 Days; germination: 7-10 Days at 70–85 °F. Best for block planting, dependable pollination, dry or fresh harvest, and seed saving. Large white kernels suited to hominy, grits, meal, and roasted young ears.
History and provenance
Cornell documents Hickory King White as a late white dent corn used for hominy, grits, meal, and roasted young ears. The exact identity of the seed lot remains tied to its supplier and lot records, so no additional lineage is assigned beyond the cited record. Growers saving seed should keep the original packet, source, year, and selection notes with the lot. 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 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.
Growing facts
| Scientific name | Zea mays L. |
|---|---|
| Life cycle | Annual |
| Maturity / first bloom | 110-119 Days |
| Germination | 7-10 Days at 70–85 °F |
| Seed depth | 1 in |
| Plant height / spread | 97–120 in |
| Growth habit | Upright/Erect |
| Spacing | 10 in between plants; 30 in between rows |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Loamy; pH 6.0–6.5 |
| Water | Moderate |
| Support | No-Support |
Starting Hickory King White from seed
How to grow Hickory King White Dent corn
Botanical identity: Zea mays L. Life cycle: Annual.
Sow 1 in and use a seed-zone temperature near 70–85 °F. Expected emergence: 7-10 Days. Direct sow after frost when the seed zone is warm; do not soak seed in cold or waterlogged soil
Plant during Late Spring. Space plants 10 in apart with 30 in between rows or planting bands.
Provide Full sun, moderate water, and loamy near pH 6.0–6.5. Support: No-Support.
Garden performance and care
Plant Hickory King White in a block rather than one long row so wind-carried pollen reaches the silks. Keep the bed evenly watered from tasseling through ear fill, and protect mature ears from birds and mammals if seed saving. Expected emergence is 7-10 Days; the listed maturity or bloom timing is 110-119 Days.
Harvest, bloom, and uses
Hickory King White is best for block planting, dependable pollination, dry or fresh harvest, and seed saving. Harvest form or size: 7–8 in ears. Color at the principal harvest or mature stage: White. Large white kernels suited to hominy, grits, meal, and roasted young ears.
Saving seed
Seed saving for Hickory King White Select several healthy, true-to-type plants so the saved lot represents the variety rather than one unusually early or large individual. Corn is wind-pollinated and highly outcrossing. Grow a substantial population in a block rather than one long row, and isolate the seed crop from other corn by distance, flowering time, or controlled pollination. Mark representative plants before pollen shed and remove clear off-types before they contribute pollen. For seed, leave ears until husks are brown and kernels are hard. Harvest before prolonged wet weather or animal loss, remove husks, and dry ears with strong air circulation until kernels cannot be dented with a fingernail. Shell, screen, and winnow only after full dry-down. Label the crop, cultivar, lot, year, field, population size, isolation method, selected plants, and any unusual ears. Store fully dry seed cool, dark, and protected from moisture and rodents. Test germination before an important planting.
Common problems
Hickory King White can be affected by poor pollination, corn earworm, armyworms, stalk lodging, smut, leaf diseases, birds, and rodents. Plant in a block, maintain even moisture at tasseling and silking, use balanced fertility, rotate crops, and inspect ears before storage. Uneven kernel fill usually points to pollen or silk stress rather than a seed-count problem.
Frequently asked questions
When is Hickory King White ready?
110-119 Days from direct sowing to dry seed or fully mature harvest
How long does germination take?
Expect 7-10 Days near 70–85 °F; actual emergence changes with moisture, seed condition, and soil temperature.
How large does it grow?
About 97–120 in with an upright/erect habit. Support: No-Support.
Can it grow in a container?
Best in an in-ground block large enough for dependable wind pollination; not recommended as a single container specimen.
How is it used?
Primary uses: block planting, dependable pollination, dry or fresh harvest, and seed saving. Large white kernels suited to hominy, grits, meal, and roasted young ears.
Can I save seed?
Yes where the crop biology allows, but keep compatible varieties isolated, use several healthy plants, wait for full seed maturity, dry thoroughly, and label the lot.
Minimum Seed Count:20 seeds
