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Sorghum bicolor (Sorghum)

Other names: East Indian millet, Egyptian rice corn, Great millet, Guinea corn, Imphee, Sorghum vulgare, Milium nigricans, Andropogon sorghum, Broomcorn, Durra, Jowar, Milo

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Species
S. bicolor is a vigorous yet tender, upright perennial, usually grown as an annual, with strap-shaped, mid-green leaves and spikes of tiny, yellow-green flowers in summer followed by spherical, reddish-brown seeds. S. bicolor is the world's fifth most important cereal/grain crop.
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Season of interest

Flower

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Flower

Foliage

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Foliage
Height and spread

Height and spread

Size Max height Max spread To maturity
2.5 m 1 m 1 year
8 ft 3 ft 1 year

Where to grow

Soil type
  • Chalky
  • Loamy
  • Sandy
  • Clay
Soil drainage
  • Moist but well-drained
  • Well-drained
Soil pH
  • Acid
  • Alkaline
  • Neutral
Sunlight
  • Full Sun
Aspect
  • West
  • South
Exposure
  • Sheltered

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Additional plant details

Cultivation

Plant in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained or well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers acid conditions but tolerates a wide range of soil and moisture conditions but will not tolerate extremely wet winter conditions. If growing for grain, yields are better with regularly watering and feeding.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Beds and borders, Flower Arranging, Flavouring food and drinks

UK hardiness

H2

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 10, Zone 11, Zone 12

Sunset zone

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Unknown
Central Valley = Unknown
South Coastal = Unknown
South Inland = Unknown
High and Intermediate Desert = Low
Low Desert = Unknown

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Erect

Native to

Africa, Southern Asia

Drought tolerant

Yes

Flood tolerant

No

Toxicity

Not toxic

Plant care

Pruning

Cut back in autumn or spring. If grown as an annual, remove at the end of the growing season. If grown to make broom, cut stalks once the 'tassels' (flower spikes) have formed seeds. Cut stalks to approximately 50-60c, bundle, and hang to dry for approximately 2 weeks.

Propagation methods

Seed

Propagation

In frost-free areas, sow in situ in spring. In frost-prone areas, sow in situ only when the soil temperature reaches 55F at a 10cm (4") depth. Plant 2.5-5cm (1-2") deep, 25-40cm (10-15") apart in rows 60-90cm (2-3') apart. Alternatively, sow under glass in spring at 15C (60F). Typically ready for harvest 110 days after sowing.

Pests

Birds

Mice

Diseases

Remove annuals at end of flowering season (optional)

Cut back to base (optional)

Bring tender indoors if container grown (in cold areas)

Sow seed in situ

Plant tender plants after danger of frost has passed (late spring, early summer)

Sow seed in containers with heat (spring)

Other plants

Plants in this Genus (2)

Sorghum

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Sorghum bicolor
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Sorghum bicolor Sorghum
Sorghum bicolor Amish Rainbow Mix
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Sorghum bicolor Amish Rainbow Mix Sorghum Amish Rainbow Mix
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Companion plants (0)

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