Planting Time and Soil Conditions
Sorghum, a heat-loving plant, thrives in climates with long summers. It is best to direct sow sorghum outdoors once the risk of frost has passed and temperatures have risen. Optimal soil temperature for germination ranges from 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Sorghum prefers slightly acidic, well-draining soil.
Key Facts
- Planting Time: Sorghum should be direct seeded outdoors once the danger of frost has passed and temperatures have warmed. It is a heat-loving plant and grows best in climates with long summers. Many gardeners do not direct sow their sorghum until mid-May or even early June.
- Soil and Spacing: Sorghum prefers slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 55-80˚F. Sow seeds 1/2” deep and 1-2” apart in rows that are 2′ apart. Direct-sow sorghum seeds ¼” deep 8-12” apart[2].
- Watering: Sorghum prefers soil that is consistently moist but not soaked. Aim for 3-4” of water roughly every 10 days. Watering at the base of the plants using a soaker hose or drip irrigation is recommended.
- Sun and Temperature: Sorghum thrives in full sun and requires at least 12-14 hours of sunlight at the peak of summer. It grows best in temperatures of at least 80°F, with 90°F being even better. Sorghum can survive light frosts but will die once the main stalk is frozen.
- Harvesting: Harvest sorghum grain when the seeds can no longer be dented with a fingernail. Cane sorghum should be harvested before the first frost by cutting down stalks with hedge trimmers or a very sharp knife.
- Uses: Sorghum has numerous uses in the kitchen. Sorghum seeds can be cooked as a grain and enjoyed in dishes that call for brown rice or barley. The seeds can be popped like popcorn. Sorghum flour is also used in breads and other baked dishes. Some varieties of sorghum were bred for their stalks, or canes, which produce a sugary liquid. This liquid can be pressed and boiled down to produce sorghum syrup.
Planting and Spacing
Sow sorghum seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 to 2 inches apart in rows that are 2 feet apart. Alternatively, direct-sow sorghum seeds ¼ inch deep and 8 to 12 inches apart.
Watering and Sun Requirements
Sorghum prefers soil that is consistently moist but not soaked. Aim to provide 3 to 4 inches of water roughly every 10 days. Watering at the base of the plants using a soaker hose or drip irrigation is recommended. Sorghum thrives in full sun and requires at least 12 to 14 hours of sunlight at the peak of summer. It grows best in temperatures of at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with 90 degrees Fahrenheit being even better. Sorghum can survive light frosts but will die once the main stalk is frozen.
Harvesting
Harvest sorghum grain when the seeds can no longer be dented with a fingernail. Cane sorghum should be harvested before the first frost by cutting down stalks with hedge trimmers or a very sharp knife.
Uses of Sorghum
Sorghum has numerous culinary applications. Sorghum seeds can be cooked as a grain and enjoyed in dishes that call for brown rice or barley. The seeds can also be popped like popcorn. Sorghum flour is used in breads and other baked dishes. Some varieties of sorghum were bred for their stalks, or canes, which produce a sugary liquid. This liquid can be pressed and boiled down to produce sorghum syrup.
References
- Planting Guide and Seed Saving Notes for Sorghum | Sow True Seed: https://sowtrueseed.com/pages/planting-guide-and-seed-saving-notes-for-sorghum
- Growing Guide: Sorghum – SeedSavers: https://seedsavers.org/grow-sorghum/
- Sorghum Plant: Food, Silage, And More – Epic Gardening: https://www.epicgardening.com/sorghum-plant/
FAQs
What is the best time to plant sorghum?
Sorghum should be direct seeded outdoors once the risk of frost has passed and temperatures have risen. Many gardeners do not sow sorghum until mid-May or early June.
What are the soil requirements for growing sorghum?
Sorghum prefers slightly acidic, well-draining soil.
How should sorghum be watered?
Sorghum prefers soil that is consistently moist but not soaked. Aim to provide 3 to 4 inches of water roughly every 10 days. Watering at the base of the plants using a soaker hose or drip irrigation is recommended.
How much sunlight does sorghum need?
Sorghum thrives in full sun and requires at least 12 to 14 hours of sunlight at the peak of summer.
When is sorghum ready to harvest?
Harvest sorghum grain when the seeds can no longer be dented with a fingernail. Cane sorghum should be harvested before the first frost.
What are the different uses of sorghum?
Sorghum has numerous culinary applications. Sorghum seeds can be cooked as a grain and enjoyed in dishes that call for brown rice or barley. The seeds can also be popped like popcorn. Sorghum flour is used in breads and other baked dishes. Some varieties of sorghum were bred for their stalks, or canes, which produce a sugary liquid. This liquid can be pressed and boiled down to produce sorghum syrup.
Are there any pests or diseases that affect sorghum?
Sorghum is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including aphids, caterpillars, sorghum midge, sorghum leaf blight, bacterial leaf spot, head smut, downy mildew, and anthracnose.
How can I prevent pests and diseases from affecting my sorghum crop?
Crop rotation, using disease-resistant varieties, and proper irrigation and fertilization can help prevent pests and diseases from affecting sorghum crops. Additionally, neem oil and insecticidal sprays can be used to control pests, while fungicides can be used to control diseases.