Corn Dent Seeds

2 products

Plan a grain harvest with dent corn seeds from David's Garden Seeds®. Dent corn takes its name from the indentation that forms at the crown of mature, drying kernels. Unlike sweet corn grown primarily for tender fresh eating, dent corn is commonly grown to full maturity for dry grain.

Choose Corn for Your Intended Use

Dent corn has uses in cornmeal and traditional corn-based foods, as well as livestock feed. Kernel color, plant size, maturity and kitchen suitability vary by variety, so compare the listings below before planting. Making masa for tortillas requires additional processing rather than simply grinding dry kernels.

Planting Tips for a Productive Stand

Start in warm soil: Direct sow after frost danger has passed and soil conditions meet the variety's recommendations. Allow enough growing season for grain to mature.
Plant in blocks: Corn is wind-pollinated. Several short rows planted together generally pollinate more reliably than one long, isolated row.
Give plants room and nutrients: Use the packet's depth and spacing recommendations, prepare fertile, well-drained soil and feed according to soil-test guidance.
Water through key stages: Maintain adequate moisture, especially during tasseling, silking and kernel development. Control weeds early to reduce competition.
Plan for other corn nearby: Corn varieties can cross-pollinate. Use suitable isolation or flowering-time separation when growing sweet corn nearby or saving seed for variety purity.

Harvest and Store Dry Grain Carefully

For dry grain, allow ears to mature and husks to dry as conditions permit. Harvest before weather, pests or disease damage the crop, and finish drying with good airflow in a protected location when necessary. A visible kernel dent alone does not establish that grain is dry enough for storage.

Shell and store only adequately dried, sound grain in clean containers protected from moisture and pests. Check stored grain regularly and discard moldy grain rather than using it for food or feed. Growing seed is for planting, not direct consumption; food uses refer to the harvested crop.