Sweet Sorghum
- Species: Sorghum bicolor
- Family: Poaceae
- Genus: Sorghum
- Plant Type: Annual grain/forage
- Zones: 3-10
Description:
Sweet Sorghum is a versatile heritage crop grown for its tall, cane-like stalks rich in sweet juice. Traditionally used for making sorghum syrup, this plant also provides grain for livestock feed, silage, or ornamental purposes. With its sturdy growth reaching 8-12 feet, it is highly resilient, drought-tolerant, and well-suited for homesteads, small farms, and gardens. Its attractive seed heads also add visual interest to landscapes.
Planting Instructions:
- Soil & Location: Thrives in warm, well-drained soils with full sun exposure. Tolerates a variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.
- Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the garden or field after the last frost, when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F (15°C).
- Planting Depth & Spacing: Plant seeds 1 inch deep, spacing 6-12 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart.
- Watering: Keep soil moist during germination and early growth. Once established, Sweet Sorghum is drought-tolerant and requires little supplemental watering.
- Care: Minimal care required—weed during early stages. Harvest stalks for syrup when they are mature, or allow seed heads to fully ripen for grain production.
Sweet Sorghum is a multi-purpose plant—ideal for syrup, grain, animal forage, and even ornamental use. Its combination of resilience and productivity makes it a time-tested favorite for sustainable growing.
