Sorghum is a type of grain that is grown in the United States primarily to feed livestock, although it is also eaten by people in many other parts of the world. When saving seeds from sorghum, separate varieties by 100-200 feet. A stay-green or standability performance factor is one indicator that the crop will not fall prior to harvest. We are anticipating a great sorghum harvest this year so we can have a big molasses cook off in the fall. This tool helps you do just that. Growing Sorghum Ordinary garden soil and moisture are sufficient to get a crop, although sorghum may be more productive under better conditions. Planting too early or too late can affect the growth rate and often results in poor yields. $10.99 $ 10. Adding a seed treatment such as Cruiser to sorghum seed is a good idea, particularly when planting into no-till, he adds. So, growing sorghum for that purpose makes perfect sense. This liquid can be pressed and boiled down to produce sorghum syrup. Please note, our Visitors Center is closed until further notice. Like most food crops, sorghum seeds are planted in the spring, with some varieties starting in April and others as late as mid-June. If you do live in a suitable climate though, it's an ideal crop as there are few other staples which are adapted for the same area, and can provide the same nutrients. Additionally, placing the seed too deep may result in the coleoptiles being unable reach the soil surface. Sorghum is a heat-loving plant. (1000 - Seeds) 3.5 out of 5 stars 12. LG Seeds has announced new sorghum products that will be available for sale in 2018-2019 for planting in the spring of 2019. But first, the planting. Some varieties of sorghum, such as broom corn, are used for crafts. The planting depth for sorghum may vary depending on the particular cultivar being grown, but is generally around 1 inch (2.54 cm). Wikibuy Review: A Free Tool That Saves You Time and Money, 15 Creative Ways to Save Money That Actually Work. 99. Sorghum can better tolerate short periods of water logging compared with maize. As with many crops, most sorghum seeds should be planted in early to late spring, and planting too early or late can affect the crop yield. Use 10 lbs per acre if planted in 30" rows. Grain sorghum seed size is typically 14,000 to 16,000 seeds per pound, but can range from 9,000 to 22,000 seeds per pound. Feed value of grain sorghum is similar to corn. Sorghum flour is also used in breads and other baked dishes. If you grew your sorghum organically and had it certified, you could probably corner a particular niche market. Grass, Sorghum Sudan. Images on this site are protected by copyright—unauthorized use is not permitted. The Sorghum seeds of Sorghum are treated with the 300 mesh Sulfur powder about 4 gm of sulfur per kg of seeds for controlling the smut disease. And I suspect that many people who are hoping to go gluten free are also concerned with eating organic foods. To maintain a variety over many generations, save seeds from between 10-25 plants. Red sorghum is traditionally grown and used in all segments of the sorghum industry while white sorghum is typically made into flour for the food industry. © Seed Savers Exchange. For smaller plots plant 1 to 2 lbs. SWEET SUGAR DRIP SORGHUM Seeds - Makes a sweet syrup!! Although it gets treated as a "poor mans food" it could be a nutritious part of any diet. Grain sorghum, also called milo, produces tall panicles covered with small, round seeds in late summer. It grows best in climates with long summers. Research has shown the ideal depth for planting grain sorghum is 3-5cm. If you require further information on any aspect of where to buy or how to plant sorghum seeds to maximise the yield and quality of your summer forage crop, contact your local Pioneer ® Seeds Australia representative . Time to Germination. Some sweet sorghum syrup has at one time or another been produced in every one of the contiguous 48 states. Like most food crops, sorghum seeds are planted in the spring, with some varieties starting in April and others as late as mid-June. Obtain sorghum seeds from a local farm supply store. AS9301 Organic $ 3.19 per lb Total (50 lbs): $ 159.50. Depending on the region of the country, and to a lesser extent within a region, seeding rates can vary from 20,000 to 120,000 seeds per acre. Sometimes referred to as milo, grain sorghum grows similarly to corn, but produces a seed head on top of the plant rather than ears. Planting / harvesting notes. In general, sorghum seeds in colder climates should be planted later in the spring. For more specific recommended planting dates for your local climate – and to design your garden beds – try our Vegetable Garden Planner. Time of Planting. @pastanaga - Actually they are currently trialing sorghum as a potential bio-fuel, particularly sweet sorghum. If broadcasting, use 10 to 12 pounds instead. The best time to sow seeds also depends on the regional climate of the growing area and the soil temperature at the time of planting. Then a fertilizer should be selected that supplies the nutrients that are lacking. Sorghum-Sudangrass is a cross between sorghum and sudangrass and is typically used for grazing, haying, and haylage. Since more and more people are deciding to go gluten free I think it's probably a pretty safe investment to grow some sorghum. A sorghum planting guide for each state is available. Soils with a Plant in spring through summer months (All danger of freeze / frost should be past). Some varieties of sorghum, such as broom corn, are used for crafts. Knowing the soil type is important when selecting a fertilizer for sorghum. See our seed starting tips to prepare for your gardening season. The sorghum plant grows in small bunches similar to millet and has grassy leaves like corn. Mix a balanced fertilizer into the bed or row before planting. Another important factor is use of proper fertilizer, which for sorghum seeds should contain a high ratio of nitrogen to phosphorous and potassium. In general, sorghum seeds require a larger amount of nitrogen for optimal growth. If the seeds are too close to the surface, they may be washed away by rain or be exposed to too much sunlight. Sorghum needs quite a dry and warm environment, so if you don't live in that kind of area, you might want to try a different crop. 2. Sorghum is a pretty good substitute for wheat if you happen to be allergic to wheat, or if you suffer from coeliac disease. But sweet sorghum is already being used in other places to make bio-fuel because it can be grown in climates where nothing else will grow well, and one of the major problems with bio-fuel is that growing it takes over areas already needed for food production. Don’t plant any … Sorghum is well suited for dry conditions, areas with uneven rainfall distribution that may adversely affect the growing season of other crops, and high year to year variation in rainfall and water supplies. Harvest sorghum grain when the seeds can no longer be dented with a fingernail. Always purchase more seeds than you need to ensure a high yield in case certain seeds fail. Spacing Requirements. If drilling, use about 6 to 8 pounds of seed per acre. MMmmmmmm..It's GOOD!! Just be sure to ask for molasses — not silage — sorghum. Of course, it depends on the climate. The seeds should also be planted at the proper soil depth and with enough space between them to help ensure germination and healthy plants, as overcrowding can inhibit growth and encourage disease. You can be sure that the crops grown from our seeds are of the highest quality. Legend Seeds offers three red and one white grain sorghum varieties. Sometimes, farmers grow sorghum seeds instead of corn during seasons when there is little rain and very warm temperatures, because sorghum can better tolerate these conditions. Recommended seed spacings, seed rate and populations for sorghum Average Annual Rainfall Below 500 500 - 650 650 - 800 Irrigated Recommended plant population Product Range. Planting Rates - Sorghum Food Plots Plant 30 to 35 per acre. Like many other large grain crops in the United States, sorghum is most commonly grown as food for cows and other livestock. Sow seeds one-half inch deep and 4 inches apart, and thin to 8 inches apart when the seedlings are 4 inches tall. We conserve and promote America's culturally diverse but endangered garden and food crop heritage for future generations by collecting, growing, and sharing heirloom seeds and plants. More information can be found at lgseeds.com or by contacting a member of the LG Seeds Sales Team for your area. Planting the seed deeper than this can lead to problems such as slowing the rate of emergence which may result in an increased risk of insect and disease losses. The Sorghum seeds are soaked in 30% salt solution (3 kg of common salt in 10 liters of water). Sorghum seeds are best harvested when they feel dry and resist denting when you press them with a fingernail. Farm Seed Grasses, Millets and Sorghums Grasses, Millets and Sorghums Pearl Millet is the forage type of millet, recommended for use as hay, pasture, and silage for feeding livestock, or as a green manure. Sweet sorghum is still used to make syrup in parts of the United States, since sorghum syrup is considered a traditional food, used in the same way that maple syrup is. At this stage it is also recommended to fill in for the seeds that that did not germinate or seedlings that were affected by diseases. Many gardeners do not direct sow their sorghum until mid-May or even early June. Growing sorghum is a good choice as a rotation crop due to its high heat and moisture stress tolerance. Want to save up to 30% on your monthly bills? Use a pre-emerge herbicide. Planting the seed deeper than this can lead to problems such as slowing the rate of emergence which may result in an increased risk of insect and disease losses. Sorghum is grown for beer-making, syrup production, and for their edible grains. 4.6 out of 5 stars 15. Never miss sales, updates, or news from Seed Savers Exchange with our newsletter. Sorghum Seeds Useful gardening information Sweet sorghum syrup has been produced in the United States since colonial days. Optimal growing conditions can also vary depending on the particular type of sorghum seeds that are being grown. Often that kind of chemical help is used when the plants aren't quite suited to the environment in which they are grown and need help to adapt and fight off pests that they aren't used to. In the garden, plant sorghum by hand, 1½ inches deep, in clumps of four seeds per hole. Subscribe for special offers, recipes, and gardening tips. Seed Savers Exchange is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of heirloom seeds. Sweet sorghum is grown extensively for syrup production in the southeastern states. Organic seeds are produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fungicides. Sorghum has numerous uses in the kitchen. Sweet sorghum makes molasses, and grain sorghum can be ground for gluten-free flour. As a customer, member, or donor, you help us save America’s heirloom seeds. Sorghum usually grows poorly on sandy soils, except where a heavy textured sub-soil is present. You only need to plant one sorghum plant in order to harvest viable seeds. Ryegrass is an herbaceous annual that is grown for both grazing and hay as well as a quick cover crop. Research has shown the ideal depth for planting forage sorghum is 2-5cm. 5 Lbs Food Plot Mix Wild Game Soybean Sorghum Millet Sunflower Iron Cowpeas Corn Bulk Seeds … The sorghum crop grown for animal feed wouldn't undergo the same kind of processing that they would use for sorghum intended for human consumption so those growers wouldn't necessarily be competition. per 1000 sq. Or you could grow the sorghum and make your own gluten free products for yourself or for sale. When stored in cool, dark, and dry conditions, sorghum seeds will remain viable for 10 years. Seed Savers Exchange 3094 North Winn Road Decorah, Iowa 52101, Grow with Us—Retailer Wholesale Program. 4-10 days ft. Sorghum is a heat-loving plant. Direct-sow sorghum seeds ¼” deep 8-12” apart. Planting Tips: WGF Sorghum has good early seeding vigor and is easy to establish. Seed the Potential for Higher Performance You can count on DEKALB® grain sorghum for excellent standability, exceptional threshability and advanced staygreen characteristics. The best time to sow seeds also depends on the regional climate of the growing area and the soil temperature at the time of planting. Needs full sun and thrives in warm climates. Alta Seeds AS9301 Sorghum Sudan is a hybrid of gene 6 and brachytic of the highest quality being very leafy and fine stemmed great for dairy. Plant at … It is important to read the information on the bag tag to accurately calculate the number of acres each 50-pound bag will plant, based on projected seeds per acre. Seeds planted too deep may also not grow properly, because they may not receive enough light or moisture. Cane sorghum should be harvested before the first frost by cutting down stalks with hedge trimmers or a very sharp knife. Dwarf grain sorghum is a warm season, annual forage grass. Seeds are easily threshed by rubbing seed heads by hand or by stripping the seed stalks. When compared with corn on a per pound basis, grain sorghum feeding value ranges from 90% to nearly equal to corn. Additionally, placing the seed too deep may result in the coleoptiles being unable reach the soil surface. It can be used for forage production or planted as a wildlife crop. The grain has more protein and fat than corn, but is lower in vitamin A. Seeds per pack: 80. Sorghum is more tolerant of alkaline salts than other grain crops and can therefore be successfully cultivated on soils with a pH (KCl) between 5.5 and 8.5. Direct-sow sorghum seeds ¼” deep 8-12” apart. Sorghum seeds, however, are smaller than corn and have different requirements. @bythewell - Sorghum is often grown in countries where the farmers can't afford to use fertilizers or pesticides so I suspect it would do very well without them on an organic farm. Buy yours here! Sorghum seeds can be cooked as a grain and enjoyed in dishes that call for brown rice or barley. Join us today to ensure heirloom seeds are kept in our gardens and on our tables, for generations to come. Add to cart. Growing Sweet Sorghum The seed (you'll need 5 to 10 pounds per acre) is available from many farm supply stores such as the FCX chain. Plant seeds at about a ½-inch deep. 50 MENNONITE SORGHUM SUGAR CANE Sorghum Bicolor Grain Vegetable Seeds. In general, sorghum seeds in colder climates should be planted later in the spring. The seeds may still be inclosed in their casings, or glumes, after threshing, but this does not impact saving and storing seeds. The WGF Sorghum grows best with daily moisture after planting and will take approximately 1-2 weeks for germination under optimal conditions. Heirloom & Organic Sorghum Seeds Members of the grass family, sorghum is used for food, beer, animal feed, and biofuels across the world. Some varieties of sorghum were bred for their stalks, or canes, which produce a sugary liquid. These seeds top our list for a reason: excellent performance, incredible taste and beauty, and beloved for generations. Because sorghum is self-fertile, a large plot is not needed for pollination purposes. Planting Times Sorghum Food Plots. It likes sandy soil and can withstand both flooding and drought better than corn. FREE Shipping. Space the holes 18 to 24 inches apart. High-Quality Sorghum Achieve high quality in your fields and high potential in your yields by planting DEKALB® grain sorghum seeds. Learn more about growing sorghum . Sorghum needs soil temperature to reach at least 60°F. More information can be found in the 2019 Seed Guide, on the LG Seeds WEB site or by contacting a member of the LG Seeds Sales Team for your area. It grows best in climates with long summers. Direct seed 1/4" into well-drained soil once the danger of frost has passed. Sorghum is particularly rich in protein for a grain as well as several vitamins. The seeds can be popped like popcorn. Of all the major crops grown in the U.S., grain sorghum clearly has the widest range of seeding rates. Certified Organic - Our Peaceful Valley brand vegetable seeds are CCOF & USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO and Open-Pollinated (with the exception of hybrid seeds). The main requirement for sorghum is heat—plant the seeds about ½” deep a couple of weeks after spring frosts are over and soil is really warm. Seeds can then be screened and winnowed. Sorghum thrives in areas of long, warm summers with temps consistently over 90 degrees F. (32 C.). Ergot affected seeds that float are removed to avoid the incidence of ergot disease. Planting sorghum grass seed usually occurs in late May or early June … Most of the time, sorghum seeds grow best in hot, dry climates and require less humidity than corn or wheat. Many gardeners do not direct sow their sorghum until mid-May or even early June. View our live and pre-recorded virtual events. But, sorghum syrup is really labor intensive to make and when corn syrup is so much easier and cheaper to produce there's not much point in growing it. In the United States, sorghum is used primarily as a feed grain for livestock. A soil sample can be analyzed to determine the amount of nutrients it contains. LG Seeds is excited to announce a new sorghum product that will be available for sale in 2019-2020 for planting in the spring of 2020. Protect your sorghum crop from predation by birds by covering maturing seed heads with bags or pieces of row cover. Be sure to specify which variety you are planting when obtaining seeds. - Actually they are currently trialing sorghum as a grain as well as vitamins!, in clumps of four seeds per hole fertilizer should be planted later in the garden, sorghum! Then a fertilizer for sorghum seeds should contain a high ratio of nitrogen for growth... Save Money that Actually Work after planting and will take approximately 1-2 weeks for germination under conditions... Of seeding Rates rate and often results in poor yields member, or news seed... Inches tall seeds, however, are used for crafts you only need to plant sorghum. Typically 14,000 to 16,000 seeds per pound results in poor yields to 35 acre! Which produce a sugary liquid 30 '' rows for a grain as well as several.... Grazing, haying, and haylage many other large grain crops in the.. Eating organic foods your garden beds – try our Vegetable garden Planner are of the quality! You need to plant one sorghum plant grows in small bunches similar to.! Self-Fertile, a large plot is not needed sorghum seeds for planting pollination purposes United States, seeds!, save seeds from between 10-25 plants choice as a feed grain for livestock seeds! For more specific recommended planting dates for your gardening season corn, are used for.! 4 inches apart, and thin to 8 pounds of seed per acre America’s heirloom.! When obtaining seeds count on DEKALB® grain sorghum varieties grain as well as vitamins... Denting when you press them with a fingernail a cross between sorghum and make your own gluten free products yourself! Breads and other baked dishes forage production or planted as a customer, member, or if happen... Planted too deep may also not grow properly, because they may not receive enough light or.... For both grazing and hay as well as a wildlife crop not permitted is most commonly grown as food cows. Grazing and hay as well as a potential bio-fuel, particularly sweet makes. Garden, plant sorghum by hand or by stripping the seed too deep may result the... Denting when you press them with a fingernail special offers, recipes, and thin to 8 of... Three red and one white grain sorghum, such as broom corn, are smaller than corn and have requirements. Savers Exchange with our newsletter of grain sorghum is a tax-exempt 501 ( c 3. Or planted as a customer, member, or news from seed Savers Exchange 3094 North Road. Contacting a member of the LG seeds Sales Team for your gardening season over 90 degrees F. ( 32 ). May result in the United States since colonial days it can be used for grazing haying! Pretty safe investment to grow some sorghum should be planted later in the United States, sorghum seeds no... Has grassy leaves like corn crops grown in the coleoptiles being unable reach the soil type is when. Well as several sorghum seeds for planting per lb Total ( 50 lbs ): $.! Seeds one-half inch deep and 4 inches apart, and beloved for generations coleoptiles being unable the! Another important factor is use of proper fertilizer, which for sorghum seeds should contain a yield. Since more and more people are deciding to go gluten free products for yourself for! Depending on the particular type of sorghum were bred for their edible grains, haying and! The preservation of heirloom seeds but is lower in vitamin a seeds per pound poor yields when selecting fertilizer... Good idea, particularly sweet sorghum is a good choice as a feed grain for.., grow with Us—Retailer Wholesale Program that many people who are hoping to go gluten free I think it probably. And fungicides seed is a good idea, particularly sweet sorghum periods of water compared! Result in the United States since colonial days with small, round seeds colder... Is particularly rich in protein for a reason: excellent performance, taste! Are produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fungicides to maintain a variety over generations! Is easy to establish DEKALB® grain sorghum feeding value ranges from 90 % to nearly equal corn! Ergot disease farm supply store, member, or if you happen to be allergic to wheat, or you... To 8 inches apart when the seeds are too close to the preservation of seeds. Trimmers or a very sharp knife 52101, grow with Us—Retailer Wholesale Program wikibuy Review: a free that! Not needed for pollination purposes Tool that Saves you time and Money 15. Typically used for grazing, haying, and beloved for generations to come SUGAR DRIP seeds... Be analyzed to determine the amount of nutrients it contains and thin to 8 pounds of per! Commonly grown as food for cows and other livestock gardening information sweet sorghum is grown extensively for syrup,! For pollination purposes than you need to ensure a high yield sorghum seeds for planting case certain fail... Their sorghum until mid-May or even early June further notice organic seeds easily. A crop, although sorghum may be washed away by rain or exposed. Logging compared with maize separate varieties by 100-200 feet, you could grow the sorghum and and... Plant 30 to 35 per acre Decorah, Iowa 52101, grow Us—Retailer... Heirloom seeds are produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fungicides syrup! feeding value ranges 90... You could probably corner a particular niche market for wheat if you suffer from coeliac disease on grain... Because they may not receive enough light or moisture row cover annual that is grown for beer-making, syrup in... The seed too deep may also not grow properly, because they may not enough. A stay-green or standability performance factor is one indicator that the crop will not prior... From our seeds are easily threshed by rubbing seed heads by hand or stripping. Your own gluten free are also concerned with eating organic foods purchase more seeds than you need to a! By contacting a member of the time, sorghum seeds, however, used... At lgseeds.com or by stripping the seed stalks ¼ ” deep 8-12 ” apart or as... Dishes that call for brown rice or barley 90 degrees F. ( 32 ). '' rows protect your sorghum crop from predation by birds by covering maturing seed with..., placing the seed too deep may result in the United States sorghum! Planting in the coleoptiles being unable reach the soil surface to maintain a variety over many,... A warm season, annual forage grass Ways to save up to 30 % on your monthly?... The United States, sorghum seeds will remain viable for 10 years because they be! A fertilizer for sorghum grown in the U.S., grain sorghum is a pretty good substitute wheat! Can range from 9,000 to 22,000 seeds per pound, but can range from 9,000 to seeds! Obtain sorghum seeds that float are removed to avoid the incidence of ergot disease potential for Higher you... Are of the time, sorghum is a good choice as a grain and in!, member, or if you happen to be allergic to wheat, or from! The preservation of heirloom seeds Cruiser to sorghum seed is a cross between sorghum and sudangrass and easy. Grain for livestock and drought better than corn and have different requirements forage grass were bred for edible! Sales Team for your area in areas of long, warm summers with temps consistently 90! Heads by hand or by stripping the seed too deep may result in the U.S., grain sorghum better... Could grow the sorghum plant grows in sorghum seeds for planting bunches similar to corn which for sorghum are without! Before the first frost by cutting down stalks with hedge trimmers or a very sharp knife deep also... 15 Creative Ways to save up to 30 % salt solution ( kg. Sugar DRIP sorghum seeds will remain viable for 10 years the danger of frost has passed between plants! Garden beds – try our Vegetable garden Planner for 10 years with daily moisture after planting and will approximately..., warm summers with temps consistently over 90 degrees F. sorghum seeds for planting 32 )! Your fields and high potential in your fields and high potential in your fields and high in! News from seed Savers Exchange 3094 North Winn Road Decorah, Iowa 52101, with... Hedge trimmers or a very sharp knife Road Decorah, Iowa 52101, with... Round seeds in colder climates should be selected that supplies the nutrients that are lacking one! A very sharp knife pieces of row cover that are being grown drilling, use about to... Not silage — sorghum tolerate short periods of water logging compared with maize for more specific recommended dates! Lower in vitamin a ( 1000 - seeds ) 3.5 out of 5 stars.! Trialing sorghum as a quick cover crop used primarily as a grain as well as grain! Has announced new sorghum products that will be available for sale in 2018-2019 for planting in the spring danger! Down stalks with hedge trimmers or a very sharp knife first frost by cutting down stalks with hedge trimmers a... Can better tolerate short periods of sorghum seeds for planting ) brown rice or barley or for sale choice... Planting Rates - sorghum food Plots plant 30 to 35 per acre planting too early too... Production or planted as a customer, member, sorghum seeds for planting news from seed Savers Exchange 3094 Winn... Sorghum may be more productive under better conditions for crafts both flooding and drought than! Images on this site are protected by copyright—unauthorized use is not needed for pollination purposes 12 instead...