How to Grow turkey corn
Dicentra eximia (Ker Gawl.) Torr.
Turkey corn (Dicentra eximia) is a charming shade-loving perennial that produces delicate, heart-shaped flowers throughout the growing season. This woodland native prefers moist, rich soils but adapts well to drier shade conditions. While the closely related D. spectabilis has long been valued for forcing indoors, D. eximia can also be forced—though this is an optional technique for dedicated gardeners rather than a primary use.
soil preparation
Turkey corn prefers rich, humus-amended soil that retains moisture without waterlogging. Prepare beds by incorporating 3-4 inches of well-rotted compost or leaf mold into the top 12 inches of soil. Aim for slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Ensure excellent drainage by adding perlite or coarse sand if your soil is heavy clay. The plant thrives in shaded locations with dappled sunlight. For indoor forcing, prepare pots with a mix of peat moss, perlite, and leaf mold in equal parts, creating a light, well-draining medium.
planting steps
Prepare and Site the Bed
Select a location receiving 2-4 hours of dappled shade daily. Clear the area of weeds and debris. Amend soil with 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted leaf mold, working it into the top 12 inches. For container forcing, fill 6-8 inch pots with prepared potting medium, leaving 1 inch from rim.
Tip: Turkey corn strongly prefers shade; direct afternoon sun can scorch foliage and reduce flowering.
Plant Dormant Rhizomes
For Dicentra eximia, plant dormant rhizomes in spring (after last frost) or fall (6-8 weeks before ground freezes). Position rhizomes 3-4 inches deep with growing eyes pointing upward, spacing plants 12-18 inches apart. After planting, water thoroughly to settle soil around rhizomes.
Tip: Fall planting allows rhizomes to establish roots during winter dormancy, resulting in earlier spring growth.
Initial Watering and Mulching
Water newly planted rhizomes deeply immediately after planting. Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch (shredded leaves, pine bark) around plants, keeping mulch 2 inches away from where shoots emerge. Do not allow mulch to pile against emerging growth.
Tip: Consistent moisture is critical during establishment; do not let newly planted rhizomes dry out completely.
Prepare for Indoor Forcing (Optional)
This technique is more commonly applied to D. spectabilis but can be used for D. eximia as a specialized application. In fall after the first frost has blackened foliage, dig clumps carefully, preserving as many root fibers as possible. Store in a cool pit or cellar kept at 35°F until needed. Per historical sources, plants may be kept in their packing-cases in a cool pit until ready for use. Before storage, water plants thoroughly; very little additional water will be required during storage. Bring potted plants indoors no earlier than December 15 to January 1 for forcing.
Tip: A temperature of 35°F with a variation of ±5°F is ideal for storage; ensure good ventilation on bright days to prevent moisture accumulation.
watering
Turkey corn requires consistently moist soil during the growing season (spring through early fall), but not waterlogged conditions. Water established plants 1-1.5 inches per week through rainfall or irrigation, delivering water at soil level to avoid wetting foliage unnecessarily. In spring after emergence, water twice weekly if rainfall is less than 0.5 inches. During peak bloom (May-July), maintain steady moisture with weekly 1-inch applications. Reduce watering in fall as plants enter dormancy; by September, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and soft rhizomes; signs of underwatering are wilted foliage and sparse flowering. During winter dormancy and storage at 35°F, provide minimal water (only enough to prevent soil from becoming dust-dry).
feeding & fertilizer
Turkey corn (Dicentra eximia) has moderate nutrient requirements. At planting time, incorporate a balanced organic fertilizer (5-5-5 NPK) into the prepared bed at 2 pounds per 100 square feet. In early spring as shoots emerge (March-April), apply a light feeding of 10-10-10 fertilizer at half strength, or side-dress with 1-2 inches of well-rotted compost. During the flowering phase (May-July), apply a bloom-promoting fertilizer (higher phosphorus, such as 5-10-5) every 4 weeks. Stop feeding by mid-August to allow plants to harden off for dormancy. For forced indoor plants, begin feeding with dilute liquid fertilizer once new growth reaches 2 inches; continue every 2 weeks until flowering.
pruning & training
Turkey corn requires minimal pruning in the garden setting. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves during the growing season by pinching them off at the base. After the first hard frost in fall, allow foliage to die back completely before cutting plants to the ground; do not remove dying foliage prematurely, as the plant is still translocating energy to rhizomes. For forced indoor plants, pinch back shoots when they reach 4 inches tall to encourage bushier, more floriferous growth. Remove spent flower clusters during bloom to extend flowering duration. Do not cut back forced plants during their display; allow them to complete their bloom cycle naturally.
harvesting
Turkey corn is grown ornamentally rather than for harvest, but cut flowers can be enjoyed indoors. Cut flowering stems in the early morning when buds are just opening, leaving at least 2-3 stems per plant to support the plant's energy needs. Sterilize cutting shears between cuts. Flowers last 5-7 days in a vase of cool water with flower food. For indoor forcing, forced plants reach full bloom 3-4 weeks after being brought into 45°F conditions; move plants to a bright location once shoots emerge to encourage flower development. As days lengthen (late January onward), plants will flower more prolifically and quickly.
storage & preservation
Turkey corn does not require harvest and storage in the traditional sense, as it is a perennial that dies back naturally each fall. However, for indoor forcing, dormant rhizomes should be stored at 35°F in a cool cellar, pit, or frame with good ventilation. Keep packing-cases or pots in a cool, dark location after initial watering; moisture requirements are minimal during dormancy. Protect stored rhizomes from mice and squirrels, which may damage them. Do not allow growth to begin during storage—this is a critical rest period. When forcing indoors, display plants will remain fresh for 2-3 weeks; after flowering completes, plants may be hardened off outdoors in late spring to naturalize for future seasons.
common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Planting in full sun or exposed locations causes foliage scorch and poor flowering; always choose dappled shade or woodland understory conditions.
- ✗Allowing stored plants to grow during dormancy breaks the rest period and weakens rhizomes; maintain strict 35°F storage conditions with no heat or light until forcing begins.
- ✗Overwatering or planting in poorly draining soil causes rhizome rot; ensure excellent drainage and water only when soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- ✗Cutting foliage too early in fall reduces energy storage in rhizomes; allow foliage to die back completely after frost before removing it.
- ✗Forcing too early (before December 15) results in weak, sparse blooms; wait until mid-December for optimal forcing results.
- ✗Neglecting to water plants well before storage leads to desiccation of rhizomes; saturate soil thoroughly before placing plants into cool storage.
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