Hickory King

Corn

75d to harvest

Sweetly aromatic at harvest, Hickory King corn brings a rich, warm golden depth with a tender, floury bite that’s prized for meal-making. The kernels develop in tight, well-filled rows on sturdy ears, offering a fine, creamy texture that grinds beautifully into flour. Grow it for a dependable 75-day rhythm and a harvest that feels like sunshine in the garden—ideal for turning into hearty, homemade staples and comforting blends.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 1st
Harvest Begins	Jun 15th
Harvest Ends	Nov 5th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	60
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease problem is common on sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata), and how can I fix it?

Watch for corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), which feeds in the silk and damages kernels as they form. Apply an appropriate Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) product when silks first appear and reapply per label timing so it matches egg-hatch, and remove heavily infested ears early. Also keep an eye out for common rust—orange pustules on leaves—by watering at the base and spacing plants for airflow; remove badly infected leaves to slow spread.

How often should I water sweet corn during its main growing phase (tasseling to grain fill)?

During tasseling through grain fill, keep soil evenly moist—typically about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week, split into 1–2 deep waterings. Check by pushing a finger 2–3 inches into the soil; it should feel consistently moist, not drying out or staying waterlogged. Avoid frequent light sprinkles that keep the surface wet while roots dry out.

How do I know when Hickory King sweet corn is ready to harvest?

Start checking when plants are near the listed maturity (about 75 days) and when silks have turned dark and dry. Harvest when kernels are plump and release a milky liquid when pressed with a fingernail; this usually corresponds to about 18–24 days after first silks emerge. If the kernels look thin or the liquid is watery-clear, wait a bit longer—sweetness peaks right at harvest for Zea mays var. saccharata.