
Details
Brooms were traditionally made from the straw-like fibers after stripping off the seeds. Although the plants look similar to corn as they grow, Broom Corn is not related to corn. It is actually a sorghum, another member of the grass family. Instead of growing tassels and ears, it is topped by richly colored shiny seeds. Leave them standing through the winter for a banquet of food for the birds, harvest them for fall decor and dried arrangements, or grow enough to make your own homemade broom.
Michigan Seeds and Plants grown on our farm, Renegade Acres, in Howell, MI!
Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.
Additional Info
Botanical Name | Sorghum bicolor |
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Life Cycle | Annual |
Min. Time to Germinate | 4 Days |
Max. Time to Germinate | 10 Days |
Depth to Sow Seeds | 1/2 in. |
When to Sow | Outdoors after all danger of spring frost is past |
Growing Height | 8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m) |
Plant Spacing | 3-6 in. (7-15 cm) |
Hardiness | N/A |
Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
Danger | N/A |
Foliage | Grown for Foliage, Herbaceous |
Other Details | Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater, Provides winter interest, This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds |
Soil pH Requirements | 5.6 to 6.0 (acidic), 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) |
Propagation Methods | From seed; direct sow after last frost |
Seed Collecting | Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds |
Seeds Per Pack | 50 |