Grain Sorghum — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Sorghum bicolor |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 5–10 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–29.4 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 75–110 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 10.2–20.3 |
| Mature height (cm) | 91.4–182.9 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 20.3–30.5 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Direct sow 1 inch deep in warm soil in full sun in rows 30–36 inches apart; grain sorghum is one of the most drought-tolerant of all cereal grains, adapted to hot, dry conditions that would devastate corn. In the South it is called 'milo' and is traditionally grown as a feed grain for livestock, but the grain is also edible for humans — it can be popped like popcorn, ground into gluten-free flour for flatbreads and porridges, cooked as a rice-like grain, or fermented into traditional African and South American beverages. White and tan grain varieties are milder-flavored than red varieties for human consumption. The upright plants top out with a dense grain head; harvest when seeds are hard and the heads have dried on the plant. Sorghum's deep root system makes it exceptionally drought-resistant once established, and it responds well to brief dry spells that would reduce corn yields.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0