Corn Dent Reids is a classic American heirloom field corn with roots tracing back to the mid-1800s, when Robert Reid first developed this now-legendary variety in Illinois. One of the most historically significant dent corn varieties ever grown in North America, Reid's Yellow Dent became the foundation stock for many modern hybrid corn programs — yet the original heirloom remains unsurpassed for home grinding, cornmeal, and small-scale production. Tall, vigorous stalks reach 8 to 10 feet, producing large, well-filled ears with deep yellow dent kernels. Primarily valued for corn flour, cornmeal, grits, and animal feed, it offers dependable performance with a typical harvest time of around 100 days.

Germination Rate: 85%. Test Date: 10/25. WILL.

Texas Minimum Germination Rate: 75%.

Why Choose Reid's Yellow Dent Corn?

• Legendary American Heirloom: One of the most historically significant dent corn varieties in North American agriculture — a true piece of living seed history.
• Tall & Productive: Vigorous 8–10 foot stalks with large, well-filled ears — high-yielding and impressive in any garden or field planting.
• Outstanding for Grinding: Deep yellow kernels produce rich, full-flavored cornmeal, grits, and flour prized by home millers and artisan bakers.
• Dependable & Easy to Grow: Proven performance across a wide range of climates and conditions — forgiving for first-time corn growers.
• Dual-Use: Ideal for human food production (cornmeal, grits, flour) and small-scale animal feed.
• Heirloom & Open-Pollinated: Passed down through generations — save seeds year after year for a self-sustaining garden.
• Non-GMO Seeds: Plants whose DNA has not been altered in ways that do not occur naturally through traditional breeding methods.

Planting Tips for Success

• Sunlight: Requires full sun — at least 6 to 8 hours per day — for best stalk growth and ear development.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8. Amend with compost or aged manure before planting.
• Planting: Direct sow outdoors after last frost when soil temps reach 60°F. Plant seeds 1–2 inches deep.
• Spacing: Space seeds 4–6 inches apart in rows 30–36 inches wide. Thin to 8–12 inches apart. Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows for good pollination.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during tasseling and ear development.
• Fertilizing: Heavy feeder — side-dress with nitrogen fertilizer when plants reach knee height and again at tasseling.
• Harvesting for Cornmeal/Flour: Allow ears to fully dry on the stalk until kernels are hard and dented. Husk and dry indoors 1–2 weeks before shelling. Grind or store whole kernels.
• Harvesting Fresh: For roasting ears, harvest at the milk stage when silks have browned and kernels are plump — approximately 80 days.

Why Choose David's Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: Supplying premium seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
• Integrity Pledge: David's Garden Seeds has taken the Seed Integrity Pledge.
• Vegetable Seed License: David's Garden Seeds has been granted a Vegetable Seed License for the State of Texas.

Cooking Methods

• Stone-Ground Cornmeal: Dry, shell, and grind Reid's Yellow Dent kernels for rich, full-flavored artisan cornmeal — exceptional in cornbread, hush puppies, and muffins.
• Grits: Coarsely grind dried kernels and simmer low and slow with butter and cream for classic Southern-style grits.
• Polenta: Use fine-ground Reid's cornmeal for smooth, creamy Italian-style polenta — outstanding with braised meats and roasted vegetables.
• Masa & Tamales: Nixtamalize dried kernels in lime water to produce authentic masa for tamales, tortillas, and pupusas.
• Roasting Ears: Harvest at the milk stage and roast whole ears for a classic summer treat.

Order Reid's Yellow Dent Corn Seeds Today

Order yours today and grow your own Reid's Yellow Dent Corn for cornmeal, grits, and a connection to American agricultural heritage.

Nutritional Information

(Applies to dried dent corn kernels, not seeds. Per 1 oz / 28g dried corn kernels.)

• Calories: 103
• Total Fat: 1.3g
• Sodium: 2mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 21g
• Dietary Fiber: 2.4g
• Total Sugars: 0.4g
• Protein: 2.6g
• Iron: 0.7mg (4% Daily Value)
• Magnesium: 32mg (8% Daily Value)
• Phosphorus: 80mg (6% Daily Value)

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Heirloom varieties may exhibit natural variation in kernel size, color, and maturation. Results may vary based on growing conditions, climate, and gardening practices.
• Isolation Note: To preserve variety purity, isolate from other corn varieties by at least 1,000 feet or time planting to avoid overlapping silk/tassel periods.
• Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration in an airtight container extends viability. Properly stored corn seeds remain viable for 2–3 years.
• Planting Zones: Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 3–10. Consult your local extension service for zone-specific planting guidance.

Grow something beautiful. Grow something delicious. Grow with David's Garden Seeds®.