What it is
Dent / Field Corn (Zea mays indentata) is in the Poaceae (Grass) family. The storable corn behind cornmeal, grits, and masa. Dry it on the stalk and it keeps for a year or more.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it moderate, and give it rich, nitrogen-hungry soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–6.8. Space plants about 8–12 in apart. Expect roughly 95–120. Warm-season annual.
How it's used
Dent / Field Corn is used: ground to meal; hominy/masa.
🔎 How to identify it
- Tall grass stalk
- Hard kernels with a dented top
- Dries on the plant
Edibility
PartsDried kernels
UsesGround to meal; hominy/masa
CautionDry thoroughly before storage to prevent mold.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.