Reid's Yellow Dent
Zea mays var. indentata 'Reid's Yellow Dent'
A legendary heirloom dent corn with over 150 years of American agricultural history, originally developed in Illinois in the 1840s. This variety became the foundation for modern corn breeding and remains popular among heritage gardeners for its reliability and multi-purpose uses. Perfect for those interested in preserving agricultural history while producing versatile corn for grinding, livestock feed, or ornamental use.
Harvest
110-120d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
5-8 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Reid's Yellow Dent in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 corn →Zone Map
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Reid's Yellow Dent · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | — | June – July | October – October |
| Zone 4 | — | — | June – July | October – October |
| Zone 5 | — | — | May – June | October – October |
| Zone 6 | — | — | May – June | September – November |
| Zone 7 | — | — | April – June | September – October |
| Zone 8 | — | — | April – May | August – October |
| Zone 9 | — | — | March – April | July – September |
| Zone 10 | — | — | February – April | July – August |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Color: Gold/Yellow. Type: Caryopsis. Length: > 3 inches. Width: 1-3 inches.
Garden value: Edible, Showy
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Edibile
Storage & Preservation
After harvest, continue drying Reid's Yellow Dent until moisture content reaches 14% or lower – kernels should be so hard they barely dent under pressure. Spread unhusked ears on screens or hang in braids in a well-ventilated area for 4-6 weeks. Once fully dried, remove husks and store whole ears in breathable containers like mesh bags or wooden crates.
Properly dried corn stores for years in cool, dry conditions below 70°F with low humidity. Check periodically for signs of mold or insect activity. For grinding into meal, remove kernels by twisting ears against a hardware cloth screen. Store shelled corn in airtight containers with bay leaves to deter weevils. Whole kernels can also be prepared as hominy by soaking in lye solution, or ground fresh for cornmeal using a grain mill or high-powered blender.
History & Origin
Origin: Mexico
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut
- +Edible: Edibile
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Bush Beans
Fixes nitrogen in soil for corn's heavy nitrogen needs
Winter Squash
Ground cover reduces weeds, large leaves provide living mulch
Pole Beans
Uses corn stalks as natural support while fixing nitrogen
Nasturtiums
Trap crop for cucumber beetles and squash bugs that also attack corn
Marigolds
Deters corn earworm moths and other harmful insects
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control corn borers
Sunflowers
Attracts beneficial insects and can serve as windbreak for corn
Sweet Alyssum
Ground cover that attracts beneficial insects for pest control
Keep Apart
Black Walnut Trees
Produces juglone which is toxic to corn and stunts growth
Tomatoes
Both attract corn earworm, increasing pest pressure on both crops
Brassicas
Heavy nitrogen feeders that compete directly with corn for nutrients
Fennel
Allelopathic properties inhibit corn germination and growth
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #168538)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good natural resistance developed through generations of selection
Common Pests
Corn rootworm, corn borer, birds during drying phase
Diseases
Gray leaf spot, southern corn rust, Diplodia ear rot